GIFT  -OF 


C^^oo  ^/^  oo 


Fi 


COURIER 


Vol.  7.     No.  ». 


Siug-Ie  nuiuberiii,  10c;  fl  per  year,  postpaid. 


THE  MONTHLY  LETTER 

Dear  Friends: — 

Have  not  been  on  the  streets  for 
about  six  weeks.  Seems  queer.  Fig- 
ured up  the  hours  I  am  usually  In  the 
open  air  and  what  I  have  been  having 
on  the  nev,'  system  of  things.  Found 
I  had  been  out  11  hours  in  a  period 
in  which  heretofore  I  have  been  getting 
150  or  more.  Find  the  touch  with  hu- 
manity has  been  lessened,  so  that  ideas 
do  not  come  so  readily.  Hence,  be- 
ginning this  Courier,  I  hardly  know 
what  to  say.  Feel  empty.  But  will 
see  what  I  can  dig  up,  in  the  way  of 
ideas. 

Last  week  I  played  bum.  Went  to 
five  affairs.  Have  a  pupil,  Mr.  Kearney, 
who  is  a  moving  picture  operator  em- 
ployed at  the  Hippodrome,  He  said  he 
thought  he  could  fix  up  a  welcome  for 
me  there.  Have  been  trying  to  get  to 
that  for  months.  Pupil  who  usually 
comes  on  Monday  night  went  to  La 
Jolla  for  a  vacation,  which  left  me  an 
evining  free.  Tried  my  "puU"  at  the 
"Hip."  It  worked  like  a  charm.  En- 
joyed the  vaudeville  especially.  Pre- 
fer  it    to   pictures.      Had   a    good    laugh. 

Tuesday  I  called  up  Mrs.  Behymer 
and  asked  if  she  would  talk  to  her 
hu.sband  and  see  if  I  might  hear  Louis 
Graveure,  the  Belgian  baritone,  that 
night,  in  his  concert  at  the  Trinity 
Auditoriuhi.  They  said,  "Come  on; 
glad  to  have  you."  Went.  Enjoyed  it 
immensely.  Glad  to  get  to  hear  this 
great  artist. 

Thursday  afternoon  I  attended  the 
Matinee  Musical  Club  concert.  Dandy 
programme.     Enjoyed   it  very  much. 

Friday  afternoon,  went  to  hear  the 
Symphony  Orchestra  Concert.  Mr.  Clif- 
ford Lott,  baritone,  was  special  solo- 
ist. Enjoyed  it  all  very  much.  Hustled 
home.  Gave  a  lesson  and  then  went  to 
the  Dahm-Petersen  Academy  of  Music 
to  hear  a  Pupils'  Recital.  About  the 
middle  of  the  program,  Mr.  Dahm-Pet- 
ersen introduced  me  to  the  audience. 
I  acknowledged  it  merely  by  bowing 
and  smiling.  Would  gladly  have  made 
a  littlespeech  but  thought  it  might 
delay  the  program  so  said  nothing. 
Many  of  the  audience  and  all  of  the 
performers  came  up  after  the  recital, 
to  meet  me  personally,  giving  me  an 
opportunity  to  speak  a  few  words  of 
encouragement.  Then  took  occasion  to 
say  that  I  felt  that  the  work  of  the 
pupils  showed  that  they  were  to  be 
congratulated  in  having  chosen  the 
right  shop  for  their  musical  building, 
had  come  to  the  right  teachers,  and 
on    the    results    obtained. 

So  that  week  I  was  quite  as  busy  as 
I  have  heretofore  been,  when  going  out 
on  the  streets  to  sell,  three  or  four 
days  each  week.  Have  some  more 
teaching  to  do  than  in  the  recent  past. 
Gave  16  lessons  one  week  lately.  Not 
so  many  last  week,  owing  to  absence 
from  the  city  of  one  pupil  and  other 
causes  in    the  lives  of  others. 

Had  a  job  of  setting  some  words  to 
music  for  a  Miss  Katherine  M.  Volk  of 
Long  Beach.  She  was  pleased  with  my 
work.  Collected  $8  for  it.  Pretty 
chean,  but  it  was  that  or  nothing.  A 
elrl-friend-cnnvist     ent     S2  r.O     out    nf    it 


too  through  me,  as  I  have  not  the  eyes 
to  make  manuscripts.  I  do  the  creative 
work  and  leave  the  manual  or  mechani- 
cal part,  the  labor,  to  those  who  have 
bodies  nearer  normal.  The  title  has 
not  been  fully  settled  upon.  The  words 
were  her's  and  she  can  call  it  what  she 
likes,  but  it  seemed  to  me  "Give  Them 
a  Chance"  was  the  nearest  to  a  sum- 
mary of  her  thought,  as  expressed  by 
her  verises.  The  theme  is  a  plea  on 
behalf  of  the  soldiers  returning  from 
France.  On  a  job  of  a  similar  sort 
which  I  did  before  this  one,  I  let  the 
man  take  away  the  manuscript  before 
I  had  been  paid,  and  it  seems  the  man 
forgot  about  my  little  $8  for  which  I 
had  undergone  so  much  to  earn  and 
had  worked  until  after  midnight,  be- 
ginning at  4:00  a.  m.  the  next  morning, 
so  as  to  get  it  out  as  quickly  as  he 
wished,  and  co-operate  with  his  plan. 
Never  again!  Miss  Volk  gave  me  his 
address.  I  wrote  him  today.  Will  tell 
you  next  time  if  I  get  the  $8  due.  Have 
had  to  wait  for  two  months  up  to  now. 

So  with  one  thing  and  another,  I 
have  contrived  to  keep  quite  busy.  For 
further  instance,  I  might  say,  that  I 
have  obtained  letters  of  endorsement 
on  my  compositions  from  seven  musi- 
cians of  standing,  and  think  of  getting 
out  a  little  book  of  themes — giving  just 
a  page  each  of  seven  of  my  sacred 
songs,  with  the  letter  of  one  of  my 
musician  friends  on  the  opposite  page. 
Sent  a  copy  of  each  of  the  songs  Bast, 
to  my  music  printer,  thinking  that 
would  be  the  cheapest  and  best  way 
to  issue  this  thematic  booklet.  The 
printer  returned  them  saying  I  could 
get  a  better  deal  here  no  doubt,  than 
they   could   give   me. 

The  cost  of  production  of  music  has 
increased  about  100%.  I  cannot  under- 
stand why.  A  new  edition  costs  three 
times  what  the  same  quantity  used  to 
cost.  They  used  to  have  a  small  size 
type  and  made  thematic  plates  as  ori- 
ginals, but  now  they  seem  to  fall  back 
on  etchings.  The  introduction  not  be- 
ing of  much  interest  to  the  vocalist, 
and  not  giving  the  beautiful  words,  I 
wanted  the  thematics  not  to  "begin  at 
the  beginning,"  but  at  the  voice  en- 
trance. There  were  some  unnecessary 
marks  on  the  originals  which  would 
not  add  to  the  comprehensiveness  of 
the  thematic,  so,  in  one  instance,  I  was 
obliged  to  make  a  copy  by  hand  which 
would  need  to  be  photographed  and 
reproduced  on  zinc.  I  did  not  take  so 
much  pains  with  it  as  if  I  had  un- 
limited time  and  eye-vigor,  but  think 
T  succeeded  in  making  a  legible  copy. 
Some  of  my  musical  friends  may  re- 
ceive a  copy  of  this  booklet,  and  then 
they  will  have  a  chance  to  see  what 
kind  of  a  copyist  I  am.  Intend  to  send 
this  little  book  to  singers  and  choir 
directors,  all  over  the  country — to  every 
address  I  can  obtain.  Mr.  Cadman  kind- 
ly furnished  a  list  of  100  or  more,  for 
which    I   am    grateful. 

I  suppose  Mr.  Cadman  is  one  of  the 
busiest  men  in  the  world.  It  Is  won- 
derful that  he  can  stand  the  pace.  They 
are  after  him  from  morn  till  night. 
Nearly  every  day  there  is  a  concert  to 
be  given  or  something  outside  to  de- 
manrl     hi.«?     ti»np     a  n  rJ     enprsrips        T    have 


not  seen  him  since  the  Concert.  Have 
not  even  phoned  him,  knowing  he  has 
many    things   on    his   mind. 

Regret  that  my  acquaintance  ha^ 
added  to  the  burden  of  some  that  I 
love  whom  I  long  to  bless  and  whose 
lives  I  would  enrich.  Am  so  grateful 
for  those  who  are  doing  good  for  me, 
making  such  efforts  to  help  me,  even 
when  their  own  lives  are  already  so 
full  of  care,  responsibility  and  prob- 
lems. Am  grateful  for  this  Fund  and 
such  growth  as  it  has  had  to  date.  Yet 
I  wish  I  might  have  won  by  sheer 
force  of  my  own  good  work — without 
any  benevolence  on  anyone's  part — on 
a  business  basis  instead  of  brotherly 
love.  Have  given  the  world  my  best — 
offered  my  fellow-beings  the  fruit  of 
my  conscientious  endeavors — the  fruit 
of  my  existence.  Feel  that  all  I  need 
should  have  come  to  me  as  obviously 
my  right — on  a  business  basis.  But 
however  it  comes,  I  am  grateful  to 
have  it  arrive  and  thank  God  for  it. 
Nevertheless,  cannot  help  sometimes 
feeling  a  little  restless  when  I  reflect 
that  1  am  enjoying  the  present  bene- 
fits, the  existing  harvest,  as  a  demon- 
stration of  the  personal  generosity  of 
others,  rather  than  as  the  out-working 
of  the  law  of  justice  and  fairness  to 
every  worker.  P"'or  I  prefer  proper 
compensation    rather    than    charity. 

As  mentioned  in  the  previous  Cour- 
ier, had  many  phone  calls,  and  many 
personal  calls,  following  my  19th  con- 
Cert — and  a  number  of  letters,  as  well. 
All  commended  my  performance  and 
the  work  of  my  associate  artists  and 
rejoiced  with  me  at  the  hope  that  my 
needs  were  to  be  met  and  that  I  would 
not  have  to  take  to  traveling  again, 
and  give  up  my  standing  as  a  citizen, 
sacrificing  my  little  home  in  this  neat 
little    rent-house. 

One  letter  was  from  Miss  True,  and 
contains  the  following:  "One  lady  who 
was  with  me  has  had  exceptional  op- 
portunities to  hear  good  music  in  large 
cities.  She  was  very  enthusiastic  over 
your  work  and  I  hope  you  may  hear 
from  her  one  of  these  days,  for  she 
appreciated  the  difficulties  you  have 
been  having  to  meet,  and  the  marvel- 
ously  beautiful  spirit  that  is  so  plainly 
visible  in  your  face,  and  in  fact, 
through  your  whole  bearing,  and  man- 
ner  of   meeting  all   situations." 

One  reason  the  19th  concert  was  such 
a  success,  was  the  good  disseminated 
by  the  Courier.  Personally  distributed 
and  sold  500  copies  of  that  issue,  in 
my  street  work.  In  future.  If  I  am 
not  on  the  street,  will  be  limited  to 
the  20  Los  Angeles  subscribers  to  the 
Courier,  plus  former  ticket  sellers — 
probably  in  all,  less  than  50,  unless  I 
hit  on  some  other  method  of  reaching 
kind  folk  who  would  be  susceptible  to 
my  call — the  privilege  I  furnish  of  their 
exercising  the  finer  qualities  of  mind 
and    lieart. 

Mentioned  in  March  Courier,  that  we 
had  some  fine  people  in  our  19th  con- 
cert audience.  Among  those  present 
that  1  know  of  definitely,  in  addition 
to  the  few  previously  mentioned,  were: 
Rev.  and  Mrs.  Geo.  C.  Butterfield  and 
guests;  the  latter  including.  Dr.  Glenn 
Will;  Dr.  and  Mrs.  Campbell  Coyle; 
Miss  Hilda  Nolte,  (celebrated  pianist); 
and  Prof,   and   Mrs.   H.   M.   Shafer. 

The  list  of  patrons  on  the  back  of  the 
revised  program  issued  some  weeks  be- 
fore the  concert,  could  have  been  great- 
ly extended.  I  realize  how  much  I  have 
to  be  grateful  for  as  I  look  around  me 
and  see  other  musicians  who  have  as 
much  or  more  to  offer  in  artistry  as  1, 


who  yet  have  not  succeeded.  I  was 
also  grieved  to  learn  that  the  dear 
Zoellner's  with  their  wonderful  String 
Quartette,  had  a  very  small  audience 
at  their  concert  a  few  nights  ago.  Can- 
not understand.  But  am  more  sure 
than  ever  that  my  success  has  been 
through  the  many  good  friends  the 
good   God    has   given    me. 

Mentioned  in  the  March  Courier  that 
it  is  likely  I  would  have  to  give  up 
my  concerts  now  that  I  am  heeding  the 
recommendation  that  I  refrain  from 
going  out  on  the  streets  to  sell,  lest 
so  doing,  I  interfere  with  the  progress 
of  the  Fund.  That  of  course  cuts  off 
the  bulk  of  my  income.  Probably  every 
independent  teacher  knows  that  pri- 
vate teaching  is  a  rather  unsteady 
business — you  never  know  "where  you 
are  at."  But  the  Fund  Committee  sent 
me  $30  last  month,  which,  with  eoncert- 
ticket-money  still  coming  in,  and  a 
few  sales  I  have  made  here  at  my 
home  where  callers  have  come  to  buy, 
and  the  fees  from  my  few  pupils,  I 
have  not  lacked  anything  so  far,  nor 
incurred  any  new  debts,  except  for 
printing.  Mean  to  try  to  sell  by  mail, 
so  as  soon  as  I  can  get  around  to  it, 
will   try   that  method. 

But  many  friends  object  to  my  dis- 
continuing my  concerts,  and  think  some 
way  may  appear  of  still  helping  my- 
self and  giving  the  public  pleasure, 
by  that  means.  Accordingly,  have  laid 
out  another  program  and  will  begin 
getting  in  shape  for  public  rendition 
as  soon  as  possible.  Think  I  can  be 
ready  by  the  middle  of  .lune  if  it 
seems  I  can  get  an  audience  then. 
Wish  I  could  find  a  market  for  my 
stuff  some  way  so  I  could  make  more 
than  a  hand-to-mouth  living.  Would 
like  to  get  this  dear  piano  paid  for. 
Would  like  to  feel  I  am  free  to  spend 
adollar  without  questioning  whether 
or  not  it  is  fair  to  the  good  folk  who 
may  have  made  sacrifices  to  contribute 
to  the  Fund,  Have  not  entirely  given 
up  the  notion  of  having  a  motor-ve- 
hicle, for  then  I  could  live  farther  out 
from  town,  where  perhaps  we  could 
have  a  little  garden  patch  and  I  could 
get  fresh  vegetables  there  and  have 
many  advantages  with  no  greater  ex- 
penses, and  still  be  able  to  keep  in 
touch  with  civilization.  Am  not  get- 
ting any  business  at  all  from  the  im- 
mediate neighborhood — never  have. 
There  is  no  tearing  big  need  of  that 
just  at  thp  present,  however,  as  I  have 
a  few  friends  who  own  cars  who  take 
me  for  a  ride  in  an  emergency. 

Last  summer  I  thought  I  might  im- 
prove on  the  place  I  have  now,  so 
rented  a  horse  and  buggy  from  a  liv- 
ery stable  on  the  East  Side  and  rode 
around  thre  whole  days,  looking  for  a 
better  location,  but  all  the  better 
places  were  too  far  out  to  answer  my 
purposes,  as  a  man  or  boy  couli  not 
wheel  me  to  town  frequently,  so  great 
a  distance.  This  place  is  as  far  out 
as  I  could  use  while  dependent  upon 
my  helper's  wheeling  me  a-foot.  How- 
ever, am  getting  along  fairly  well  un- 
der present  arrangements.  Have  been 
here   three   years. 

Touching  these  matters,  had  a  letter 
from  a  friend  which  follows:  "I  heard 
recently  of  the  wonderful  effort  in 
your  behalf — the  plan  which  was  In- 
troduced at  your  recent  concert,  March 
18th.  I  am  so  rejoiced  that  people  of 
standing  in  the  musical  world,  Mr. 
Cadman,  Mr.  Dahm-Petersen,  Mr.  Ver- 
non Spencer,  and  others,  recognizing 
your   ability    and   worthiness,    have   de- 


cided  to  make  effort  to  create  the  Ful- 
ler  Fund. 

"But  this  thought  has  occurred  to 
me,  and  I  am  writing  you  in  the  hope 
that  you  will  see  some  way  of  correct- 
ing in  advance,  of  forestalling,  a  false 
impression  that  might  easily  be  made 
in  the  minds  of  many  who  were  pres- 
ent at  your  concert.  I  understand  that 
the  Fund  has  not  as  yet  reached  suffi- 
cient proportions  to  furnish  an  income 
which  would  cover  the  deficit  between 
your  earnings,  (teaching  being  your 
only  means  of  support  at  present), 
much  less  cover  your  entire  expenses 
for  a  year,  and  really  take  care  of  you, 
leaving  you  free  to  try  to  work  up 
some  more  reliable  means  of  support, 
or  at  least  have  a  rest  from  the  neces- 
sity to  grind  away  constantly  at  some- 
thing which  aims  at  earning  a  few 
paltry    dollars. 

"It  seems  to  me  that  it  will  be  very 
necessary  that  you  give  other  con- 
certs; that  they  succeed.  It  does  not 
sem  easy  to  discover  a  way  of  getting 
you  more  pupils.  But  so  many  big- 
hearted  people,  no_t  seeing  these  things, 
nor  realizing  that  to  formulate  a  plan 
does  not  necessarily  mean  that  its  suc- 
cess is  fully  assured,  easily  get  a  false 
impression  and  will  fancy  you  are  on 
'easy  street'  now  and  will  be  for  the 
next  year.  In  that  case  the  $200  still 
owing  on  your  piano,  and  the  bills  for 
the  printed  matter  you  issued  just  be- 
fore the  concert,  not  knowing  about 
this  change  of  operations  and  the 
elimination  of  the  street  work,  will 
leave  you  in  almost  as  cramped  a  situ- 
ation,   financially,    as    you    were   before. 

"With  such  a  false  impression,  the 
good  start  made  at  the  concert,  may 
stop  considerably  short  of  where  it 
should,  and  those  who  aided  you  so 
splendidly  in  former  efforts  on  your 
own  part,  may  relax  their  efforts  in 
your  behalf,  when  the  goal  is  only 
partly    won. 

'Seems  to  me  you  need  to  continue 
your  concerts  by  all  means.  For  in- 
stance, if  another,  given  In  a  few 
months,  could  be  as  successful  as  the 
19th  Concert,  (Mar.  18th),  it  would  en- 
able you  to  settle  the  debt  on  the  piano 
as  well  as  cover  other  items.  I  under- 
stand your  expenses  are  about  $100  per 
month,  and  that  the  committee  propose 
for  the  present  to  pay  you  $50  per 
month  from  the  Fund,  and  that  you  are 
earning  about  $50'  per  month  from  your 
teaching. 

"Seems  to  me  it  should  be  possible 
to  get  into  touch  with  the  same  ticket- 
spllers  who  so  nobly  rose  to  the  occa- 
sion recently,  and  persuade  them  to  re- 
peat their  former  endeavors  in  your 
behalf.  They  could  possibly  sell  again 
to  the  same  people  who  responded  on 
the   19th   concert   solicitation. 

"Evidently  now  you  need  them  more 
than  ever-  for  you  are  not  out  on  the 
street  where  you  can  make  new  friends 
and  obtain  new  ticket-sellers,  and  ap- 
parently, from  all  reports,  that  is  the 
only  way  a  concert  can  be  made  a  suc- 
cess and  good  results  be  confidently 
expected.  These  personal  workers 
would  be  of  more  value  even,  than 
heretofore,  for  they  understand  your 
situation,  what  you  have  suffered  and 
striven  to  do.  and  what  you  have  suc- 
ceeded in  doing  under  soul-trying 
handicaps;  the  financial  and  ether 
problems  which  you  have  so  bravelj' 
striven  to  meet  alone,  and  on  a  busi- 
ness basis.  But  they  should  not  fail 
to  continue  appreciating  that  you  ar- 
not    fully    and     permanently      endowed. 


and  that  you  still  need  to  continue  do- 
ing all  you  can  for  yourself  so  as  to 
relieve  fhat  FOhd  of  all  avoidable 
strain.  Furthermore,  that  your  con- 
certs are  really  worth  the  admission 
fee  and  the  patrons  do  receive  a  splen- 
did value  for  their  money.  They 
should  not  forget  that  you  will  still 
have  problems  which  must  be  met — 
met  with  dollars — and  they  should  not 
cease  appreciating  your  ability  and 
worth;  your  patient,  valiant,  noble 
spirit. 

"These  thoughtful  friends  should 
know  within  themselves  that  they 
could  again  impress  others  with  their 
faith  and  inspire  others  with  their 
sweet  spirit  of  helpfulness — their  earn- 
est desire  to  express  what  they  feel 
concerning  you  by  financial  support  in 
the  present  as  well  as  in  anything 
they    may   already   have   done. 

"To    such    would    come     the     rewards 
couched    in    the   promise:    'Inasmuch   as 
ye   have   done   it   unto   one   of  the  least 
of  these,  ye  have  done  it  unto  me.' 
Sincerely, 

Eleanor  M.  GriflSn." 


The  newest  book,  "Wrestling  the 
Wolf,"  was  finished  since  I  discon- 
tinued going  on  the  street,  but  has 
had  a  little  sale  here  at  the  house. 
Have  given  a  few  copies  away  to  per- 
sons to  whom  I  am  indebted.  Every- 
one who  has  read  it  has  commended 
it  most  highly.  One  lady  wrote  me 
from  Venice,  saying  that  it  was  not 
only  fascinatingly  interesting,  but  also 
contained  so  much  wholesome  phil- 
osophy and  so  much  food  for  thought 
that  she  felt  bound  to  send  for  $5 
worth  of  them,  to  be  distributed 
among  Boy  Scouts.  The  order  was  ac- 
companied  by   the  cash. 

The  new  book  of  poems,  "Brother 
Mine  and  Other  Poems,"  has  pleased 
every  purchaser  and  has  had  some 
sale  also  in  a  small  way,  here  at  the 
house.  Then  too,  the  new  sacred  song, 
"The  Pilgrim's  Prayer"  has  just  come 
to  hand.  Hence,  I  would  have  had 
something  new  to  offer  the  public  had 
I   continued   my   street  work. 

Had  intended  having  my  Pupils'  Re- 
cital April  22,  but  so  many  things  came 
up  to  hinder  and  delay  that  I  have  de- 
cided it  would  hurry  me  too  much  to 
have  it  that  soon,  so  have  decided  to 
make  it  April  29,  Am  having  invita- 
tion-programs printed,  calling  it  a 
"Recital  and  Reception."  Intend  to 
serve  some  light  refreshments — ice 
cream  and  cake,  and  perhaps  some 
"red-lemonade" — sherbet,  frappe  or 
something  else  that  will  assist  in  gen- 
erating a  feeling  of  satisfaction  and 
good  humor,  encouraging  sociability 
and  fellowship. 

To  have  my  card  run  one  week  in  a 
daily  paper  would  cost  $10.  Peel  that 
this  "blow-out"  will  be  better  adver- 
tising. Except  to  get  some  new  pupils 
out  of  this  Recital-demonstration.  But 
even  if  I  did  not,  would  still  be  "ahead 
of  the  game,"  because  I  will  have  given 
my  pupils  that  much  pleasurable  and 
helpful  experience  and  stimulated 
their  interest  and  aided  toward  greater 
endeavors   on   their  part. 

Feel  that  I  had  better  not  accept 
Mr.  Dahm-Petersen's  kind  offer  to  use 
his  studios  for  this  recital  because  I 
fancy  we  will  have  an  audience  of  sev- 
eral hunlred  persons.  It  will  be  free 
of  course.  Nothing  will  be  said  re- 
srarding  money  matters,  but  a  basket 
will   be  placed  near  the  door.     If  any- 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 

in  2007  with  funding  from 

Microsoft  Corporation 


http://www.archive.org/details/bookofpoemsOOfullrich 


I 


o 


O 


POEMS 


&s 


IE.' 


'^}i 


Copyright  1913 

by 

Arthur  Franklin  Fuller 


WETZEL  BROS.  PRINTING  CO. 
2110  Addison  St.,  Berkeley,  Cal. 


W^M^i 


II 


/rggg^inj 


Ip^Xg^re 


ir 


5(^1S< 


A  BOOK  OF 


POEMS 


BY 
ARTHUR  FRANKLIN  FULLER 


Seventh  Thousand 

Revised  and  Greatly  Enlarged 

Edition 


ANCHOR  PUBLISHING  CO. 
2110  Addison  Street 
Berkeley,  California 


i^)i 


SgC^n^rg 


o 


CONTENTS 

LYRIC  POEMS 

Simple  Lyric 

Page 
In  Confidence         »-----         8 

Memory's  Solace    -         -         -         -        -         -       13 

Love's  Arch  ______       89 

Thy  Face Ill 

Songs  of  Cheer 

Help  Me  to  Win  Her 15 

A  Picture -16 

Waitin* 46 

Exultation      -- 99 

Kathleen 101 

Sunset  -        -         -        -         -        -         -18 

Songs  of  Yearning 

Yearning         -.-----76 

A  Heart's  Request  -         -         -         -         -       14 

Dependence  ------       39 

Do  You  Ever  Think  of  Me  7  -         -         -         -       97 

Impatience     -         -         -         -         -         -         -100 

Love's  Hope  _--__-       96 

Songs  of  Pathos 

Lost 78 

While  Thou'rt  Away       -----       98 

At  Parting 42 

Disappointment      ------       44 

Constant        -         ------62 


o 


B 


i 


LuUabys 

Mother's  Song        ------  60 

Father's  Song          -----         _  63 

Possession  (To  a  Bride)            -         -         -         -  47 

Elegies 

Pass  On  Beloved     -         -         -         -         -         -  71 

A  Neglected  Garden        -----  73 

An  Empty  Place     ------  83 

Her  Irretrievable  Mistake       -         -         -         -  29 

Since  Thou  Art  Gone      -         -         -         -         -  120 

Odes 

Eula       --------  49 

Death    --------  129 

Heaven  -         -         -         -         -         -         -131 

Hymns 

The  Gospel  Train             -----  94 

A  Prayer         -------  82 

How  Many  Voices  Call            -         -         -         -  34 

I  Will     -         -         -         -         -         -         -         -  112 

Watchers'  Song       -         -         -         -         -         -  127 

EPIC  POEMS 

Tales 

My  Little  Comforter       -----  40 

An  Old  Maid           ------  68 

Humorous  Narratives 

The  Joys  of  Summer       -         -         -         -         -  103 

An  Old  Staff            - 122 

Unregenerate           -         -         -         -         -         -  117 

The  Vacation  Problem    -         -         -         -        -55 


m 


m 


o 


:^^^^^^w®^S[^^^ 

P 

'      10 

1 

-  22 

-  31 

-  74 

1 

Ballads 
The  Poet's  Prayer 
Money  -         -        -        -        - 
An  Undying  Grief 
Aunt  Susie's  Birthday    - 

Idylls 

A  Summer  Morning        -         -        -        -         -       36 
Twilight  ----...38 

Pastoral 

By  the  Fire-place    -         -         -         -         -         -65 

Sonnet  (Heroic) 
Fear        -         -         -         -         -         _         .         -119 

Didactic 

What  Are  We  Living  For?      -        -        -        -  91 

What  is  Man? 52 

Duty 85 

Didactic  (Humorous) 

Retaliation     -- 80 

Bud 26 

The  Waning  Honeymoon         -        -        -        -  87 

Friendship 
Forget-Me-Not       -         -         -        -        -        -133 

Consolation    -         -        -        -        -        -        -116 

Friendship      -         -         -         -         -         .         -124 

Gray  Ballad 114 

Good-bye -        -134 


^d! 


[^ 


^i 


m^ 


You  who  are  gentle,  generous,  kind, 

Will  care  to  own  this  book — 
Whose  sympathies  are  all  refined — 

Its  faults  will  overlook; 
You  will  love  the  aspiration 

Esteem  the  work,  the  thought — 
Your  warm  appreciation 

Is  all  that's  wished  or  sought. 


ilM 


m 


m 


ir 


(Sa 


11 


IN  CONFIDENCE 

Come,  take  me  to  your  den,  just  now — 

That  snug  retreat  from  formal  life — 
Where  each  thing  seen  doth  self  endow; 

Unhampered,  free  from  sordid  strife; 
Confusion  there  may  reign  supreme, 

But  still  the  soul  is  not  distrought — 
Is  true  and  frank  and  self-sincere — 

Where  time  and  space  'til  day  are  nought. 

Come  take  me  to  your  private  nook, 

And  there  unveil  the  thoughts  herein; 
Between  the  covers  of  this  book 

Perchance  some  note  to  yours  is  kin, 
And  you'll  forget  the  steady  grind 

Of  daily  toil  and  mental  groove — 
Some  solace  for  your  heartaches  find, 

And  honest  fellowship  approve. 


H 


Come,  take  me  to  your  hallowed  place, 

Where  fervid  prayers  outspoken  be 
Expressed  with  every  pulsing  thought — 

Unvarnished,  simple — grandly  free! 
O  now  receive  your  humble  guest, 

And  find  yourself  as  sweet  received — 
And  thus  your  spirit  will  be  blest — 

These  Heart-Life  rhymes  be  soon  retrieved. 


la  dJ 


a 


in 


Come,  take  me  to  your  quiet  nook, 

Make  welcome  there  your  humble  guest — 
Mayhap  within  this  modest  book 

Awaits  some  germ  of  peace  and  rest; 
Some  hint  of  grit  may  stir  your  blood — 

Your  soul  with  fire  and  hope  renew. 
And  thus  Tomorrow's  sunny  flood 

Bring  confidence  in  life — and  You. 


o 


m 


THE  POET'S  PRAYER 


il 


m 

i 


j^^ 


I  prayed  my  Muse  to  fill  my  groping  mind 

With  inspiration  noble  and  supreme — 
That  I  might  elevate  and  help  mankind — 

Becoming  thus  a  loved  immortal  beam; 
**But  let  me  drink,  O  Fount  of  Art,"  I  cried — 

The  wondrous  waters  drunk  by  those  of  old, 
Whom  Fame  hath  crowned  e'en  after  they 
have  died. 

And  writ  their  names  in  letters  clear  and 
bold. 

"Give  me  an  understanding  spirit  too — 

A  mighty  power  of  influence  over  all — 
That  love  and  kindness,  health  and  comforts 
new. 
Shall  be  dispensed  where  e'er  my  words 
may  fall ; 
Injustice,  malice — let  me  root  them  out — 
Bring  beauty,  pureness,  goodness,  in  their 
place — 
Appreciation,  trust,  instead  of  doubt — 
Both  crime  and  war  would  my  work  then 
erase!" 


10 


ft^ 


5)? 


Twas  thus  I  prayed — my  Muse  but  smiled 
and  said, 
'Thine  aspirations  grace  thee  well  my  son — 
Some  due  reward  shall  surely    crown  thy 
head — 
Repay  thine  industry — hard  toil,  well  done. 
But  it  is  not  for  thee  to  do  a  work 

As  great  as  thou  hast  asked  and  yearned 
to  do; 
I  tell  thee  gently  now  without  a  quirk, 
So  Time  can  leave  thy  vision  just  and  true. 


"Be  thou  content  with  that  I  deign  to  gr 
So  many  lives  are  spoiled  by  too  much 
ease — 
The  happiest  souls  are  those  who  love  to  live, 
Who  love  to  work  and  someone's  need  ap- 
pease; 
If  thou  wilt  strive  with  all  thy  little  might, 
Wilt  labor  hard  with  hand  and  heart  and 
head. 
Thy  rhymes  may  gain  thee  lodging  for  a 
night, 
May  win  for  thee  a  crust  of  hardened  bread. 


f[^ 


^i 


i)? 


11 


IF? 


"If  thou  canst  be  a  mouth-piece  for  one  soul, 
Whom  pain,  despair  or  love  hath  stricken 
dumb, 
Canst  be  a  message — help  one  gain  a  goal, 
Give  comfort  to  some  heart  by  grief  made 
numb; 
Assure  one  fear-crazed  soul  that  nears  the 
brink, 
Death's  shoreless  river  leads  to  rest  and 
peace, 
No  soul  who  has  done  his  best,  here  needs  to 
shrink. 
The  hardest  strain  is  sometime  bound  to 
cease. 


"If  thou  canst  cheer  one  laboured  drooping 
heart, 
Canst  'rouse  the  best  in  one  by  shame  cast 
down — 
O  If  thou  canst  take  the  weaker  vessel's  part, 

Give  one  a  smile  in  place  of  worry's  frown; 
Then  thou  may'st  see  thou  hast  not  wrought 
in  vain — 
To  help  one  soul  get  nearer  to  his  God — 
To  strengthen  one  to  bear  his  bitter  pain. 
Is  worth  thy  while  my  son,  so  onward  plod" 


12 


MEMORY  S  SOLACE 

I  bless  Thee,  Father  Time, 

Despite  thy  varied  pace, 
Thou'st  let  me  know 

The  sunshine  of  her  face. 
And  hence  my  woe-tried  soul 

Can  brave  Tomorrow — 
Her  sweetness  Mem'ry  stored — 

From  thence  I'll  borrow. 

I  bless  thee.  Mother  Earth — 

Despite  the  changing  years 
Thou'st  held  thine  own 

And  lost  no  grace  by  tears; 
And  though,  both  Birth  and  Death 

Attend  Tomorrow, 
A  solace  Mem'ry  gives 

To  quell  man's  sorrow. 


13 


^1 


HEARTS  REQUEST 


O  turn  me  not  away, 

The  quest  has  been  so  long — 
Life's  way  has  been  so  hard. 

The  tempest  strong. 

Receive  my  aching  heart, 
And  let  my  spirit  rest; 

Of  all  earth's  roses  fair 
Thou  art  the  dearest,  best. 

Take  thou  my  loving  hand, 
Hear  my  despairing  cry; 

Life's  bitter  turn  to  sweet. 
And  be  thou  ever  nigh. 

O  do  thou  understand, 
My  humble,  ardent  call; 

Open  thy  heart,  thine  arms, 
And  love  me  "Best  of  all. 


14 


HELP  ME  TO  WIN  HER 


li 


Shine,  glorious  sun — smile,  cloudless  sky, 
Babbling  brook  cry,  tender  breeze  sigh, 

Plead,  mighty  ocean — you  may  stir 
Her  heart,  'til  I  win  her. 

Beam,  hopeful  face;  look,  sanguine  eye; 

Bound,  aspiring  heart,  at  joyous  pace. 
Exalted  mind,  her  praise  prefer — 

Lend  thine  aid  to  win  her. 

For  her  all  Nature  sings  a  song; 

For  her  this  glad  world  moves  along — 
What  raptures  in  her  presence  are! 

Help  me,  Heav'n,  to  win  her. 

Bedeck  thyself  with  colors  rare, 

Dame  Nature;  make  the  world  more  fair! 
Her  soul  expand — and  she  her  hand 

Shall  yield,  and  I  win  her! 


gj^^^i^^ii}^^^!^^; 


15 


R 


A  PICTURE 

Your  limpid  eyes  with  kindness  glow, 
Your  voice  is  soft  and  sweet; 

Your  gentle  ways  refinement  show, 
And  make  your  charms  complete. 

Your  rose-lips,  damp  with  honey-dew. 
My  heart  with  yearnings  fill, 

While  precious  dreams  of  home  and  you 
My  soul  with  rapture  thrill. 

Your  tap' ring  arms  so  round  and  white, 
So  soft  and  warm  your  breasts — 

My  hungry  heart  swells  with  delight. 
And  now  contented  rests. 

Tis  sweet  to  hold  your  dainty  hands 

In  quietude's  retreat, 
While  coming  thence  at  joyous  pace, 

I  praise  thy  flying  feet. 


16 


Your  many  gifts  and  faults  so  few, 

Your  cultivated  powers 
Assure  appreciation  true, 

And  coming  pleasant  hours. 

Holy  that  temple,  top  to  toe, 

In  palace  or  lowly  cot — 
Though  miles  divide,  I  humbly  pray. 

That  thou  forget  me  not. 


n 


IB  El 

m 


I?  V 


II 


ipfi 


17 


[[^a^^jr^^"^!^^^^^^! 


Is 


SUNSET 

My  sunset  love  is  passing  fair, 

The  golden  west  illumes  her  hair; 
Sunbeams  reluctant,  sink  to  rest 

And  make  rare  tints  on  the  sea's  broad 
breast. 
Her  crown  of  glory  is  more  grand 

Than  regal  crown  of  any  land; 
Can  this  poor  tongue  her  worth  recite? 

Describe  her  charm,  my  heart's  delight! 

My  sunset  love  is  wondrous  sweet. 

My  heart  enslaved  lies  at  her  feet. 
'Tis  joy  to  live,  conceive  and  know 

God's  boundless  good  for  Man  below. 
May  this  perverted  world  perceive, 

Though  dull  and  dense  it  aye  hath 
been, 
And  yield  the  homage  due  her  light, 

My  sunset  love,  good-night,  good-night. 


18 


^^^^^^M^^^^wi^^^n 


My  sunset  love  hath  eyes  that  shine 

With  mildness,  mercy — gifts  divine; 
No  evil  things  engage  her  thought — 

Of  plot  or  plunder  she  knows  naught; 
With  her  no  games  for  bloody  gold — 

Of  selling  souls  and  being  sold, 
So,  godly  fair,  and  simply  bright, 

Heav'n  keep  my  sunset  love  this  night! 

My  sunset  love  hath  sunny  hair 

That  charms  away  my  weary  care; 
In  her  companionship  I  find 

Repair  for  body,  soul  and  mind; 
Ah,  all  is  well  when  love  is  near, 

To  soothe  and  comfort,  rest  and  cheer — 
Life  and  the  West  with  gold  are  bright. 

My  sunset  love,  good-night,  good-night. 


19 


Mi 

i 


m 


O 


My  sunset  love  hath  pearly  teeth, 

As  sweet  as  new-mown  hay  her  breath — 
Rose  petals  form  her  dainty  lips, 

My  soul  in  fancy  boldly  sips 
The  nectar  of  her  kisses  sweet; 

For  her  alone  this  heart  doth  beat — 
Her  angel  hands  are  soft  and  white, 

My  sunset  love,  good-night,  good-night. 

My  sunset  love's  dear  voice  to  me 

Is  sweeter  than  a  song-bird's  glee — 
Ignoble  impulse  flees  in  shame 

At  the  mere  mention  of  her  name! 
Her  flesh  is  soft  and  firm ;  and  grace 

Of  movement,  outline,  give  her  place 
As  queen  of  queens — O  vision  bright! 

My  sunset  love,  good-night,  good-night. 


o 

m 


n 


20 


m 


And  thus  may  you  my  love  behold 

Templed  Life,  in  Beauty's  mold; 
Of  all  God's  creatures,  you'll  agree, 

The  fairest  of  the  fair  is  she! 
I  cannot,  would  not  think  nor  dream 

Of  anything  in  Earth  or  Heav'n 
Save  God  and  her,  my  life,  my  light, 

My  sunset  love,  good-night,  good-night. 


MONEY 

Money — Money — Money — 

Once  I  sought  the  jingling  hoard-stuff, 
Heard  its  siren  tinkle  sounding, 

Felt  the  lust  that  makes  men  battle, 
Disregard  all  save  achievement; 

Every  muscle,  nerve  and  talent, 
Bent  to  winning  sordid  treasures, 

Scorning  peace  and  homelier  pleasures, 
Blinding  eyes  to  Nature's  doings, 

Deafening  ears  to  song-bird's  wooings. 
Longing,  feverish,  for  that  great  hour, 

When  should  sound  at  their  dictation 
Siren  tones  that  conquer  most  men — 

Make  them  slaves  as  I  have  been. 

Money — Money — Money — 
Well  I  knew  its  magic  jingle. 

Sweet,  elusive  as  its  mother; 
Tameless,  lawless,  who  may  hold  her? 

Wings  she  taketh,  swift  and  silent. 
Leaving  subtly,  without  warning — 


^il»l^^^i^^!^il^^l^^ 


22 


n^m^m^^^mw^^m^^M^^^^^n^^^i 


Cruel  as  a  woman's  scorning. 

Money!  how  the  sound  did  lure  me — 
Made  me  bow  to  my  task-master, 

Fiercely  guard  each  hard  won  vantage — 
Long  it  baffled  my  endeavors; 

But  in  time  I  gained  the  summit — 
Formed  a  gold-tide,  watched  the  scramble — 

Made  a  test  of  what  'twould  buy  me. 


Money — Money — Money — 

Disapproving  frowns  now   vanished; 
Doors  that  had  been  closed,  now  opened — 

Haughty  ways  were  changed  to  fawning; 
Strangers  boasted  long  acquaintance. 

Pledged  their  everlasting  friendship; 
Balls,  receptions,  in  my  honor, 

Signs  of  favor  without  number, 
Sped  the  time,  fulfilled  my  longings. 

Turned  such  appetite  to  loathing; 
Satan  laughing,  scoffing,  sneering, 

Watched  the  fall  my  hopes  were  taking; 
All  this  lacked  the  ring  of  true  steel — 

Echoed  only  siren  tinkle. 


23 


11 


II 


Money — Money — Money — 

When  the  silly,  vapid  laughter 
Died  away  and  left  me  stranded, 

When  the  dance  had  turned  to  fool-play, 
And  the  dinners  changed  to  hell-feasts, 

When  I  saw  the  drifting  favor, 
Pierced  the  shallowness  and  pretense, 

Soft  I  heard  a  voice  of  music. 
Sounding  like  a  voice  from  Heaven; 

PCnew  a  hand-clasp,  heard  the  joy-tone 
Of  a  heart's  sincere  devotion. 

Then  I  knew  that  gold  and  silver 
Bring  no  joy  to  feed  the  hunger 

Of  a  heart  that  yearns  for  trueness. 

Money — Money — Money — 

Blessed  be  the  day  you  left  me — 
Now  I  laugh  at  Satan's  luring; 

I  have  learned  the  truer  values — 
Count  my  treasures  in  the  tresses 

Gold  as  sunset — crowning  glory 
Of  a  vision  fair  as  wholesome — 

Mark  the  rubies  of  her  rose  lips, 


Ill 


24 


Love  the  turquois  'neath  her  lashes, 
Love  the  smile  that  shows  her  pearl  teeth; 

Love  the  privilege  of  love-clasp, 

Love  her  graceful  form,  and  yielding; 

Love  her  sweet  ways,  loving  service, 
Love  the  blessing  of  her  nearness. 

Money — Money — Money — 

What  a  silly,  teasing  earth-god — 
Bringing  discontent  to  thousands — 

Bribing,  tempting,  cursing  many; 
Tinkle,  tinkle,  clinking  silver — 

Chime  your  sweetest,  yellow  gold-stuffs, 
I  have  treasures  far  above  you. 

Far  more  precious  than  you  all — 
I've  a  queen  that  knows  my  ardor. 

Loves  my  love  and  care  and  labor; 
Treasures,  treasures,  boundless,  worthy, 

Here  my  whole  heart  glad,  enslaved  is — 
Here  my  jewels,  gold  and  silver, 

Life  flows  peaceful  as  a  river. 


25 


o 


**BUD' 


m 


I  know  a  little  nigger  boy 

Whose  name  is  simply  "Bud" — 
He  chaws  the  worst  tobacco 

And  keeps  close  friends  with  mud; 
His  face  is  always  dirty, 

His  clothes  are  far  from  clean, 
And  such  a  rakish  fellow 

Your  eyes  have  never  seen. 

And  more  about  this  nigger  boy 

I'm  really  bound  to  tell, 
For  he's  a  sort  of  critter 

That  folks  like  none  too  well; 
Perhaps  you'll  thus  see  clearly 

Just  what  his  failings  are, 
And  hitch  your  better  notions 

To  a  higher  moving  star. 


1 
(II 


151 


26 


This  fellow's  mighty  lary 

An'  sleeps  most  all  the  time — 
Except  when  grub  or  mischief 

Invites  his  senses  fine. 
The  hair  is  black  and  kinky 

That  caps  his  bullet  head — 
His  loose  mouth  shows  his  "ivories' 

A  beauty-mark,  'tis  said! 

This  sorry  little  nigger  boy 

Is  never  seen  at  school, 
But  you  can  often  find  him 

Watchin'  men  play  pool; 
To  skip  off,  an'  go  fishin'. 

He'd  even  miss  a  meal — 
His  tongue  is  glib  at  lyin'. 

And  his  fingers  quick  to  steal. 


1^ 


17 


i 


o 


o 


This  sorry  little  nigger  boy 
Is  sowing  brambles  now, 

And  as  the  path  gets  rougher, 
He'll  wonder  why,  and  how! 

'Twere  foolishness  to  tell  him 
That  ease  is  Nothingness — 

And  Manhood  comes  from  Effort- 
Brings  joys  he'd  never  guess. 

This  sorry  little  nigger  boy 

Had  ne'er  a  chance  like  you; 
But  shiftlessness  can  never  bring 

Results  both  good  and  true; 
So  hitch  your  wagon  boldly 

To  a  higher  moving  star, 
And  let  your  best  ambitions 

Sail  proudly  out  afar. 


o 


28 


HER  IRRETRIEVABLE  MISTAKE 

I  know  that  thine  was  a  vehement  love, 

I  knew  my  beauty  woke  it  into  life, 
And  could  have  bought  a  life  of  heaven  with 
you, 

My  noble-hearted  lover,  steadfast,  true; 
Ease,  luxury,  all  the  world  deems  superfine, 

Enticed  me,  darling,  from  your  love  away; 
The  praise  of  many,  rather  than  of  one, 

Intoxicated,  lured  me  'til  I  chose. 

I  know  I  took  the  sunlight  from  your  life, 

The  darkness  made  thy  nature  grope  and 
droop, 
*Til  crushed  and  bleeding  thy  patient  spirit 

Returned  again  to  the  God  who  gave  it. 
I  chose  the  husks — forsook  the  grain  so  rare — 

Exchanged  for  a  yoke  of  love  a  cross  of  care ; 
My  heart,  my  life  is  empty;  and  I  cry, 

"To  gain  the  world  and  lose  love  is  to  die." 


29 


o 


I  know  thy  soul  is  in  that  Paradise, 

Where  I  trust  is  comfort  for  thy  mourning — 
I  am  not  worthy,  having  spurn'd  your  love — 

That  you  should  even  pity  me,  my  king; 
I  have  drained  the  cup  I  preferred  to  take — 

Its  phantom  sweets  were  bitter  without 
love — 
If  you  were  only  here — but  you  are  gone! 

O  God  of  Heaven,  why  has  this  come  to 
pass? 

The  world  still  says  that  I  am  beautiful, 

With  lustrous,  wistful,  liquid  eyes  so  deep — 
With  dimpling  cheek  and  figure  fair  to  see — 

Would  God  these  charms  could  bring  you 
back  to  me! 
O  cruel  fate!    O  tender  memories! 

O  gentle  hands!    O  voice  of  yearning, 
Which  called  me  and  I  would  not  hear. 
Dear  Love, 

My  peace,  my  rest,  my  soul  are  gone  with 

you. 


f 


3 


30 


AN  UNDYING  GRIEF 

One  day  you  let  me  take  your  hand  so  white, 
Your  lustrous  eyes  assured  me  that  I  might; 
I  kissed  it  and  my  story  told, 

Of  love-starved  life,  and  heart-ache  old; 
Felt  honored  and  favored  that  I  should  be 

Blessed  with  your  sweet  sympathy; 
By  your  mercy  only,  worthy  to  be  near 

A  woman  wholesome,  sweet  and  so  sincere. 


One  day  you  let  my  arm  slip  'round  your 
waist. 

As  through  the  fragrant  woods  old  paths 
we  traced; 
I  humbly  questioned  if  'twere  true 

That  I  was  walking  there  with  you; 
And  thrilled  in  happy  awe  to  hear 

Your  soft  assurance  we  were  near. 
Ah,  how  fond  recollections  make  one  sigh, 

For  departed  pleasures  and  days  gone  by. 


11! 


31 


HI 


One  day  you  let  me  lay  my  weary  head 

Upon  your  breast — a  place  so  sacred, 
A  pillow  sweet.     I  recall  how 

Your  dear  hands  smoothed  the  hair  from 
my  brow; 
Your  rose-breath  above  me,  the  rise  and  fall 

Of  your  bosom  banished  all 
Heart- ache  and  fear;  O  what  cheer, 

Lullaby  haven,  resting  place  dear. 

One  day  you  let  me  take  you  in  my  arms — 

One  day  when  I  succumbed  to  your  charms; 
Your  graceful  form  so  yielding,  soft — 

Rapturous  moments!    blissful  contact! 
I  felt  that  having  you  life's  labors,  strife, 

Were  blest  means  of  wearying 
That  I  might  know  the  sweetness  of  your  rest 

And  everything  worth  while,  my  dearest, 
best! 


32 


One  day  the  sun  grew  dark,  the  light  went 
out; 

Earth  echoed  my  heart's  desolation; 
Shrieking    winds,    through    winter-stripped 
trees — 

The  wolf-howl,  the  owl-screech,  yea  these 
Blood-chilling  sounds,  but  hint  of  the  anguish 

That  freezes  my  heart!    My  God — 
Why  can't  I  die?    My  joy,  my  rest  are  gone, 

And  I  must  face  Life  desolate,  alone! 


33 


HOW  MANY  VOICES  CALL 


How  many  voices  call — 

How  long  'til  you  will  heed? 
M        Your  loving  mother  wrings  her  hands — 

In  anguish  prays  to  prove  your  need ; 
She  knows,  as  you  will  one  day  know, 

The  baubles  you  so  madly  chase, 
Are  empty,  vapid,  dying  things, 

That  rob  of  Hope,  and  spoil  life's  race. 

Chorus : 
From  Calvary's  cruel  Tree, 

The  gentle  Savior  calls  you; 
*'Your  soul  is  sinking,  sick  and  sore — 

Accept,  and  live  forevermore!'* 


34 


How  many  voices  call — 

O'er  hill,  o'er  dale,  o'er  plain, 
Christ's  Living  Ministry  who  preach 

Good  news  of  peace,  and  joy  again: 
Awake  and  claim  your  heritage, 

For  shame!  that  you  have  scorned  so  long 
His  love — 'twill  give  you  all  that's  good 

And  fill  your  life  with  light  and  song. 

Chorus 


;\^ 


i 

M 


How  many  voices  call — 

The  patient,  Heav'nly  Dove, 
The  Holy  Spirit  ceaseless  strives 

To  make  men  know  God's  wondrous  love; 
Ah,  not  forever  will  He  plead 

And  strain  to  storm  your  hard'ning  heart, 
The  next  time  may  be  time  TOO  LATE, 

And  of  Salvation,  GONE — your  part! 


m 


i^i 


Chorus 


35 


A  SUMMER  MORNING 

First  along  the  eastern  sky 

A  golden  glow  is  seen — 
Clouds  and  shadows  speed  away, 

Grass  and  trees  show  green ; 
Flowers  and  other  vegetation, 

Yester-eve  forlorn, 
Stand  erect — a  glad  oration 

To  the  dew  of  morn. 


Roosters  make  exultant  call — 

Heralds  of  the  day — 
Birds  full  throated  glad  with  all 

Sing  as  song  birds  may; 
Nature  gives  revivication — 

Heaviness  is  gone — 
Earth  is  glad  with  expectation, 

With  the  approach  of  dawn. 


I 


36 


Beautiful  is  this  mundane  sphere — 

Best  at  early  mom — 
Ldvelier  in  her  virgin  state, 

Than  aught  which  man  can  form; 
Night-time  hints  of  dissolution — 

Day  and  hope  are  done — 
Life  and  noble  aspiration 

Dawn  with  Morning's  sun. 


i 


37 


\t 


r 


r 


^si(m 


TWILIGHT 

At  last  the  tedious  day  is  at  an  end — 

The  long  cool  shadows  hush  the  world  to 
calm; 

The  grateful  quietude  of  twilight  hours, 
Distills  o'er  tired  earth  its  restful  balm. 

From  out  the  clovered  meadows'  misty 
depths, 
The  lowing  kine  come  slowly  into  sight; 
The  circling  swallows  chirp  their  vesper 
hymn, 
And  hoof  and  feather  seem  to  welcome 
night. 

Anon  the  frogs  in  lusty  chorus  make 

Response  to  creeky  solos  from  the  trees; 
The  risen  moon  his  calm  approval  smiles 
|i,To  star-lamps  all  in  place,  and  earth  at  ease. 


^5 


11 


li 


38 


m 


^^m 


mi 


l^^^M 


'Z}^ 


a 


DEPENDENCE 

O  what  is  life  but  labor'd  breath, 

And  ceaseless  strife  from  birth  'til  death? 
And  what  am  I,  that  I  should  dare 

Expect  to  find  a  welcome  there? 
Yet  dark  indeed  would  be  the  way. 

Did  Hope  not  whisper  every  day : 
"Strive  on — and  you  shall  surely  find 

Your  Counterpart  among  mankind!" 

O  what  is  life?    A  tear,  a  sigh, 

A  swift  caress,  and  then — "Good-bye". 
Deny  me  not — our  time  is  short — 

Earth's  joys  are  of  a  sorry  sort; 
And  only  Love  is  worth  the  while 

Of  care-worn  mortals,  pure  or  vile; 
All  know  their  pain  in  every  day, 

And  need  Love's  sun  to  bright  the  way. 


39 


MY  LITTLE  COMFORTER 

The  gusty  wind  moaned  sad  and  chill, 

The  autumn  sky  was  gray; 
But  love  can  warm  a  longing  heart, 

To  hasten  all  the  way. 

Her  dear  eyes  with  fulfillment  shone — 

I  clasped  her  to  my  breast — 
And  on  her  soft,  responsive  lips 

A  lover's  kiss  I  pressed. 

How  fast  our  happiest  hours  flash  by; 

How  deep  is  human  bliss; 
In  hours  of  woe,  let's  not  forget 

The  joys  we  did  not  miss. 

We  talked,  we  laughed,  we  sung,  we  dreamed, 

Our  inner  selves  communed; 
The  future  full  of  promise,  seemed 

To  music  sweet  attuned. 


40 


I  know  not  if  her  throbbing  heart 

Shall  beat  again  on  mine, 
Or  if  her  glowing  face  on  me 

Will  beam  with  love  divine. 

I  know  not  if  these  hungry  arms 
Her  form  again  shall  hold — 

Nor  if  her  clinging  clasp  shall  me 
Within  its  circle  fold. 

Though  disappointments  strew  the  way. 

And  adverse  things  occur, 
Life's  crazy  patch-work  is  worth  the  while. 

Through  comfort  wrought  by  her. 


w^ 


41 


OfslgDTTlJ 


a 


AT  PARTING 


i 
I 
m 


i 


O  warden  fair,  of  treasures  rare. 
For  thee  my  heart  is  bleeding — 

0  maiden  sweet,  at  thy  dear  feet 
I  still  am  humbly  pleading; 

But  cruel  is  the  circumstance 
That  lets  aught  come  between  us. 

1  let  thee  go — thou  wilFst  it  so — 
And  strife  shall  not  demean  us. 

Good-bye  to  thee — good-bye  to  hope — 

To  all  that  heart  could  long  for; 
Life's  rosy  day  hath  flown  away 

And  left  me  much  to  mourn  for; 
The  music  of  the  birds  and  streams. 

The  perfume  of  the  roses; 
Are  fraught  for  me,  with  thoughts  of  thee- 

Eve's  dream  of  morn  now  closes. 


Q 


42 


m 


The  night  creeps  on — its  subtle  chill 

Within  my  heart  is  stealing — 
For  light  was  dear,  and  love  was  sweet, 

A  heav'n  of  bliss  revealing; 
But  thou  wert  far,  so  far  from  me — 

Love  could  not  bridge  the  distance; 
So  I  go  on — Woe's  prisoner — 

For  useless  is  resistance! 


m 


43 


DISAPPOINTMENT 

They  said  that  years  would  bring  me  joy — 

And  years  indeed  have  quickly  flown; 
But  where's  the  bliss  without  alloy — 

The  treasures  I  should  call  mine  own? 
And  where's  the  silver  to  the  clouds — 

The  harvest  for  the  labor  wrought? 
And  where's  the  comfort  that  I  deemed 

Would  sure  be  mine  if  bravely  sought? 

I'm  hungry  for  a  little  love — 

I  thirst  for  that  I  deem  my  right; 

My  grief-worn  heart  its  sigh  exhales, 
And  yeameth  for  you  day  and  night. 


m 


LU 


44 


The  ocean  in  majestic  turn 

Sends  foam-capp'd  waves  from  shore  to 
shore — 
As  ceaseless  in  my  lonely  heart 

Arise  Hope's  ghosts  forevermore. 
Ah,  sad  the  smile  that  hides  the  wrecks — 

The  clinging  clasp  would  fain  retain — 
For  God  in  heaven  only  knows 

If  even  dreams  may  come  again! 

I'm  hungry  for  a  little  love — 

I  thirst  for  that  I  deem  my  right; 

My  trembling  soul  in  anguish  waits, 
And  craves  response  through  day 
and  night. 


«? 


45 


!^^^^^^i^^gi}^^S^I#i^ 


WAITIN' 

When  I  see  my  darlin'  comin* 

Thru  the  rustlin*  summer  leaves, 
On  the  laden  boughs  a-swingin* 

To  the  music  of  the  breeze, 
Seems  to  me  that  folks  must  know  it, 

An'  I  blush  from  top  to  toe, 
But  I  ain't  ashamed  to  show  it — 

That  I  luv  my  darlin'  so. 

He's  my  Bonnie — he's  my  Laddie, 

He's  my  own  soft-hearted  John, 
An*  he's  strong,  an'  kind,  an'  honest, 

He's  a  true,  good  mother's  son; 
I  kin  see  his  face  a-beamin' 

An*  my  soul  is  filled  with  glee, 
'Cause  I  see  my  darlin*  comin', 

Comin'  glad,  an'  straight  for  me. 


^^=g=^ 


il 


^dLoaja) 


^ 


2 
^5 


46 


il 


a 


POSSESSION 

"Marriage  is  honorable  in  all."  { Heb.  13:4.) 
"Rejoice  with  the  wife  of  thy  youth  and  be  thou 

always  ravished  with  her  love."     (Prov.  5:19.) 

"Let  every  man  have  his  own  wife  and  every  woman 

her  own  husband."     (I.  Cor.  7:2.) 

O  sleep,  gentle  lady,  and  sweet  be  your  dreams — 
This  world,  since  I  found  you,  a  Paradise  seems; 
No  one  else  shall  e'er  lie  where  you  pillow  your  head — 
Only  yours  is  the  comrade  who  rests  in  your  bed — 
So  sleep,  gentle  lady. 

So  gently  I'll  smooth  back  these  stray  wisps  of  hair, 
It  will  not  disturb  you — I'll  surely  take  care; 
And  when  in  the  morning  your  dear  eyes  first  peep. 
You'll  see  that  I  love  you,  awake  and  asleep — 
So  sleep,  gentle  lady. 

It  is  worth  while  to  love  when  you're  loved  in  return, 
The  lamp  of  Sincerity  ever  to  burn; 
So  I  draw  you  still  closer  with  a  prayer  to  our  God: 
"Let  naught  come  between  us  'til  we're  laid  'neath 
the  sod!" 

Sleep  on,  gentle  lady. 


47 


n 


My  hands  love  to  pass  o'er  your  dear  graceful  form, 
And  bless  your  white  satin  so  tender  and  warm; 
Your  breath  is  so  fragrant,  your  kisses  so  sweet — 
I  guessed  it — and  that's  why  I  knelt  at  your  feet — 
Stay  close,  pretty  lady. 

Too  soon  day  will  come,  dear — for  awhile  we  must 

part — 
When  night  falls,  come  nestle  again  o'er  my  heart; 
God  grant  you'll  ne'er  want  aught  I  cannot  bestow — 
Though  years  make  us  older,  we'll  still  closer  grow — 
Stay  close,  gentle  lady. 

Home-maker!    All  my  love  and  my  sympathy,  too. 

Are  yours — I  appreciate  all  that  you  do; 

Little   wife — compensation   for   the   stones   in   life's 

way — 
May  I  ne'er  be  less  worthy  than  now  when  I  say, 
Stay  close,  gentle  lady. 

May  your  dear  breasts  ever  touch  me — may  your 

limbs  never  stray, 
Very  far  from  the  lover  who  claims  you  today; 
May  we  be  "pals"  forever — gain  heaven  at  last; 
When  our  sojourn   as  children — our  schooling — is 

past — 

Stay  close,  gentle  lady. 


B  CI 


48 


EULA 

Eula  means  sweet.    Ah,  sweet  indeed  was 

she — 
A  lily  from  God's  own  garden,  given  me; 
She  well  deserved  to  wear  the  dearest  name, 
That  human  lips  and  tongue  could  ever  frame; 
In  disposition,  peris  on,  conduct,  life, 
She  earned  her  name — my  dainty  little  wife — 
Dear  God — how  can  I  bear  this  heavy  cross — 
This  bursting  pain-  this  breaking,  bitter  loss? 

Eula  was  sweet.     Many  sweethearts  had  I 

known, 
Before  she  let  me  have  her  for  my  own — 
Each  one  in  turn,  I  had  idealized — 
Adored  the  creature  Fancy  had  disguised; 
Paid  each  my  court — used  every  ardent  word, 
To  tell  what  strong  emotions  had  been 

stirred ; 
But  fickle  or  false  were  all — 'til  Eula  stood 
And  justified  my  faith  in  womanhood. 


49 


i@r~^}^^^j 


mi 


m 


m 


Ah,  'twas  sweet — when  torn  with  life's  fierce 

storms, 
To  gain  the  love-locked  harbor  of  her  arms, 
And  there  upon  her  graceful,  cushioned  breast, 
To  steep  my  soul  in  peace  and  joy  and  rest ; 
In  every  phase  of  life,  one  must  be  steeled 
To  loss — 'twixt  promised   harvest  and   the 

yield — 
Eula  looked  full-laden — proved  to  be  much 

more — 
All  I  could  need,  and  yet  a  boundless  store! 

Eula,    my   sweet!     Every   nerve   and   fiber 

yearns 
To  have  you  back.     In  vain  my  spirit  turns 
And  gropes  about  to  seize  its  lost  estate, 
And  feel  again  your  nearness,  precious  mate; 
The  world  cares  nothing  for  one's  torturing 

woe — 
Bear  up,  my  heart —  bear  up,  and  onward  go! 
The  saddest  tale  is  that  none  will  believe — 
The  deepest  grief  no  weeping  can  relieve. 


i 


50 


^^^^^3^^^^^^! 


IIIj 


Eula  was  sweet.    I  tell  you  ladies,  sirs — 
I  never  saw  a  sweeter  smile  than  hers — 
Had  Angel  Death  but  waited  for  her  word, 
Heaven's  joys  a  period  she  would  have  de- 
ferred, 
And  stayed  a  while  with  me — she  loved  me  so, 
I  know  full  well,  'twas  hard  for  her  to  go; 
No  other  loss  could  make  one  feel  so  odd 
In  this  brief  life — except  he  lose  his  God. 

Eula  all  sweet!    Dear  God,  heed  if  you  can, 
The  prayer  of  this  poor,  blundering,  sinful 

man — 
Since  now  there's  nought  my  feeble  strength 

can  do, 
O  mighty  Jesus,  see  my  darling  through; 
Though  nothing  in  her  hands  my  loved  one 

brings, 
Accept  my  humble  witness,  King  of  Kings, 
And  give  my  loyal  queen  an  honored  place, 
Where  she  may  ever  view  Thy  holy  face. 


51 


m 

i 


WHAT  IS  MAN 


O 


I  sat  me  down  by  the  wayside 

To  watch  the  passing  throng 
And  guess  at  the  varied  interests 

That  moved  each  one  along. 
I  saw  the  young  and  simple 

Who  flirt  in  wanton  glee — 
The  hurrying  man  of  business 

As  serious  as  could  be. 


I  sat  me  down  by  the  wayside 

To  note  the  crowd  and  din, 
Where  haste  keeps  ever  silent 

The  still,  small  voice  within; 
For  minds  that  brim  with  conquest 

Forget  what  is  right  and  wrong — 
And  hearts  that  seethe  with  lustings. 

Unreasoning,  drift  along. 


o 


52 


o 


Behold  th'  approaching  master! 

With  pompous  ways  supreme — 
Perhaps  he's  just  created 

A  Universe,  I  ween! 
Now,  what  is  God  beside  him 

Who  struts  so  proud  and  chill — 
Omnipotence  is  nothing 

When  one  has  Power  to  Will! 


¥P=^ 


O 


O  vaunting,  crumbling  castle, 

O  sod  that  stalks  sp  fine — 
Where  didst  thou  get  thy  power, 

Thy  intellect  sublime? 
Well  friend,  just  let  me  tell  thee 

A  Truth  that  thou  shouldst  know- 
Thou  mayst  be  wise  and  mighty, 

But  such  had  e'en  to  grow. 


53 


jg^s^^i^^^^ 


m 


Now  listen,  self-fooled  debtor, 

And  learn  this  lesson  well — 
There's  nothing  so  important 

As  keeping  out  of  hell ; 
Too  late  thou  mayst  discover 

Some  laws  must  honored  be- 
No  man  has  e'er  escaped  them 

To  this  thou  must  agree. 


li, 


No  thing  was  e'er  created 

By  man,  and  man  alone — 
The  very  thought  thou  thinkest, 

God  gives  thee  now  to  own; 
Conception  is  receiving 

And  fostering,  law  on  law, 
The  thought  which  God  created 

And  full  fruition  saw. 


54 


j^^^^^^^jE^H^^ 


All  Power  that  was,  or  is,  sir, 

Or  may  seem  given  birth, 
Comes  straight  from  God  Almighty, 

Be  it  in  heav'n  or  earth; 
Then  be  not  quite  so  haughty. 

But  choose  a  lowly  place — 
Humility  becomes  us 

Who  live  but  by  His  grace. 


THE  VACATION  PROBLEM 

The  summer  days  again  are  here, 

And  make  one  glad  vacation's  near; 
Where  best  to  spend  it  who  can  know? 

The  list  of  places  seems  to  grow; 
Attractions  varied,  promise  charms. 

At  seashore  points,  and  inland  farms; 
Now  better  not  in  haste  decide — 

Regrets  might  then  the  spirit  chide. 


^&®^l^^^i^^^}g^^^^^ 


55 


o 


Resorts  along  the  sea's  cool  shore 

Claim  sports  peculiar  by  the  score; 
The  white-brimmed  waves'  majestic  roll 

Makes  music  for  a  pleasant  stroll; 
The  salt-breeze  proves  a  tonic  fine, 

And  fish  respond  to  hook  and  line; 
Again  returns  the  appetite, 

And  life  seems  bursting  with  delight. 


19  Si 

o 


At  night  the  band  makes  music  sweet, 

And  those  who  dance  find  joy  complete; 
The  drift-wood  bonfire's  ruddy  glow 

Makes  ghostly  shadows  come  and  go; 
The  "clam-bake"  parties  laugh  and  sing 

'Til  sea  and  earth  and  welkin  ring — 
No  grinding  cares  their  minds  infest, 

And  mirth  swells  every  heaving  breast. 


m 


te 


y 


56 


Convention's  rules  are  set  aside, 

Flirtations  there,  but  few  will  chide; 
Voluptuous  sights  oft  meet  the  gaze — 

Restraint  seems  scarce  a  voice  to  raise — 
Extravagance  seems  quite  the  thing; 

And  hard-earned  savings  soon  take  wing; 
Yet  lack  of  means  is  ne'er  confessed — 

The  home-trail  s  shown  to  such  distressed. 

E'en  dreams  of  this  may  fascinate — 

Such  times  are  good  to  contemplate — 
But  pause  a  moment — thus  be  fair. 

Let  inland  life  its  charms  declare; 
The  curse  of  this,  our  modern  way, 

Is  rushing  through  life's  passing  day — 
For  stimulation  calls  for  more. 

And  beggars  Nature's  bounteous  store. 


ri! 


o 


o 


11 


57 


1^^^^^^^3^^^I^^^O 


^1 


Here  flowers  bloom  in  mossy  dell. 

And  song-birds  unmolested  dwell, 
While  fruited  bush  and  leafy  tree 

Make  overtures  so  restf ully ; 
The  city's  din  is  now  forgot — 

All  seem  contented  with  their  lot — 
The  war  for  gain  seems  useless  strife, 

For  all  Man's  needs,  earth's  harvest's  rife. 

One  ponders  on  an  early  day; 

When  man  lived  in  an  easier  way — 
When  there  was  much  less  to  be  done 

'Twixt  early  morn  and  setting  sun; 
These  hardy  men — their  hearts  were  true, 

But  books  and  luxuries  were  few — 
That  out-door  life  full  vigor  lent — 

In  simple  rounds  their  days  they  spent. 


58 


Their  guns  unwritten  laws  enforced, 

For  honor  in  their  blood-veins  coursed — 
Their  wives  were  loyal  helpmates,  too, 

And  kept  the  vows  their  whole  lives 
through; 
The  landlord  knows  some  thrilling  tales, 

And  thus  his  guest  he  oft  regales — 
And  twilight  hours  too  soon  are  past, 

And  sleep  must  claim  its  own  at  last. 

'Tis  hard  to  make  a  choice, 

Since  both  their  claims  have  given  voice — 
The  inland  mountains,  rivers,  farms, 

Are  quite  as  great  as  seashore  charms; 
Just  toss  up  a  coin,  and  then  abide 

By  its  chance  fall — and  thus  decide! 
But  it's  very  expensive  far  to  roam, 

So  better  be  wise  and  stay  at  home. 


59 


MOTHER'S  SONG 


o 


Soft  the  silver  stars 

Nestle  in  Heaven's  breast, 
Soft  the  mating  birds 

Chirp  to  their  cosy  nest; 
Soft  the  fresh'ning  dew 

Shines  on  each  flower-head, 
Soft  the  Angel  Hosts 

Watch  o'er  my  baby's  bed. 


o 


o 


Refrain 
Good-night  glows  the  sun, 
Good-night  laps  the  sea, 
O  mother's  lamb, 
Sleep  peacefully; 
Smile,  ever  smile, 
And  never  cry — 
Be  brave  and  be  true! 
Lullaby,  lullaby. 


o 


60 


o 


Kind  the  evening  breeze 

Tenderly  fans  my  dear — 
Guardian  canine's  sighs, 

Tell  baby  friends  are  near; 
Kind  the  father's  kiss, 

Strong  man  so  quick  subdued, 
Kind  the  shrine  of  home, 

With  perfect  love  imbued. 


O 


Refrain 

Dream  the  dreams  that  bless — 

Life  is  a  passing  dream, 
Temporal  things  must  end — 

So  keep  thy  face  a-beam; 
Time  may  make  thee  old — 

Keep  thou  thy  trusting  smile, 
God  will  love  thee  still, 

And  keep  thee  all  the  while. 


II 


Refrain 


i 


61 


i^E^^^^I 


CONSTANT 

City  throngs  are  hastening  by, 

Seeking  pleasures  new ; 
Alone  am  I  though  in  their  midst, 

While  I  am  away  from  you. 

Scenes  both  strange  and  wonderful, 
Cease  not  all  day  through; 

Yet  nought  can  quell  the  loneliness, 
While  I  am  away  from  you. 


Music,  drama,  gala  things. 

Pleasure's  great  ado — 
But  my  little  world  is  blank  and  void, 

While  I  am  away  from  you. 

Glad  the  hours  spent  by  your  side, 

Soothing  their  review; 
Sweet  content  can  ne'er  return. 

While  I  am  away  from  you. 


62 


FATHER'S  SONG 

Sleep,  little  atom  of  life, 

Shadows  are  lengthening  fast — 
Twilight  has  come, 

The  world  is  at  home, 
The  long  day  has  finally  passed; 

Now  close  your  innocent  eyes — 
Dear  little  form,  be  at  rest — 

When  need  shall  appear, 
Your  mother  is  near. 

We'll  love  you  and  tend  you  the  best. 

Rock-a-bye,  hush-a-bye, 
Faithful  watch  we'll  keep; 

Rock-a-bye,  hush-a-bye, 
O  precious  off-spring,  sleep. 


m 


63 


Sleep,  little  motherless  babe — 

Time  brings  its  sorrows  and  strife; 
Death  soon  has  come, 

And  called  mother  Home, 
Your  best  friend — and  my  darling  wife; 

O  growing  image  of  her — 
Now  must  I  cherish  you  more — 

Your  mother's  sweet  soul 
Held  Heaven  its  goal, 

Her  spirit  will  unction  outpour. 

Rock-a-bye,   hush-a-bye, 
Mem'ry  faith  will  keep; 

Mother's  soul  hovers  near, 
To  sing  our  grief  to  sleep. 


b  M 


64 


BY  THE  FIRE-PLACE 


M 


When  the  days  are  getting  shorter, 

When  the  nights  are  long  and  chill, 
With  my  cares  and  work  forgotten, 

And  the  whole  world  hushed  and  still- 
Then  I  love  to  make  a  fire. 

Watch  the  flamelets  dance  and  race. 
For  things  are  mighty  cozy, 

By  the  fire-place. 


I  love  to  have  a  friend  or  two 

To  make  the  deal  complete — 
Shoes  off,  cocked  on  an  extry  chair. 

We  toast  our  weary  feet; 
A  bowl  of  pop-corn  sittin'  near, 

While  time  slips  by  apace, 
Why  folks,  it's  awful  cozy, 

By  the  fire-place. 


ffl 


65 


m 


u 


Pretty  soon  some  nice  quotation, 

Comes  a-singin'  through  his  head- 
A  clean  and  sweet  potation, 

Whose  charm  is  quickly  spread; 
I'll  bound  I'll  give  an  answer, 

A  match  for  his  in  grace — 
Dad  Time's  a  grand  romancer. 

By  the  fire-place. 

Then  my  friend  may  tell  a  story, 

Course  I'll  try  to  do  as  well — 
We'll  both  be  in  our  glory, 

Just  a-weavin'  fiction's  spell; 
I'll  read  some  book  of  poems — 

Prose  animates  his  face — 
A  man  gets  stout  but  younger, 

By  the  fire-place. 


66 


'^^M'^^M^^M^ 


We  may  tell  the  joys  and  sorrows 

That  have  figured  in  the  past, 
Speculate  on  our  Tomorrows — 

But  tears  may  start  at  last — 
In  those  glowing,  ruddy  embers, 

Fancy  paints  an  absent  face — 
There's  a  comfort  one  remembers, 

By  the  fire-place. 


Bye  'n'  bye  it  comes  to  bed-time. 

And  I  wind  the  clock  and  say, 
"Nine  more  hours  an'  we'll  be  facin' 

Another  little  day; 
But  b'gosh,  'twill  soon  be  over. 

Back  again  our  steps  we'll  trace — 
Spend  another  pleasant  evenin' — 

By  the  fire-place." 


1 
I 

11 


67 


^ss^^ 


'mm 


I 


AN  OLD  MAID 

Annans  eyes  were  tender  brown, 

Anna  s  heart  was  kind. 
Shapely  brows  that  would  not  frown. 

Pure  arKi-strong  her  mind; 
Edgar  saw  the  beauty  sown. 

Bright  and  ux>rthy  he — 
Took  her  heart  arKi  gave  his  o\i'n. 

For  one  were  they  to  be. 

Sickness  led  her  far  away — 

Both  their  hearts  were  true — 
Anna  ne*er  forgot  to  pray, 

God  gave  health  anew; 
Then  they  planned  that  he  should  come, 

Qaim  her  for  his  bride — 
Bring  his  pretty  sweetheart  home. 

And  honeymoon  the  ride. 


G=a 


68 


Anna  blossomed  like  a  flower — 

Lovelier  grew  each  day — 
Glad  she  d  yield  him  all  her  dower. 

Why  should  he  delay? 
Trains  arrived — yet  came  not  he — 

Letters  came  instead — 
Froze  her  blood  the  words  to 

Her  lover — then — was — dead! 


Anna's  breasts  are  plump  and  wann — 

.Ajina's  arms  are  round — 
All  about  her  graceful  form. 

Feminine  charms  are  found; 
Sympathetic,  kind  and  true, 

Is  this  gentle  maid, 
Virtuous  Woman — through  and  through, 

Whose  ideals  never  fade. 


W 


Look  into  her  cheery  face, 

You  would  never  guess — 
Nought  can  e'er  the  pain  erase — 

'Waiting  his  caress; 
Stifled,  yearning  for  his  touch — 

Things  that  ne'er  can  be! 
Though  men  offer  over-much, 

"Old  Maid"  she'll  please  to  be. 


IJ 


0 


PASS  ON  BELOVED 

Pass  on  beloved;  as  we  sadly  gaze 

Upon  thy  face  so  still  in  its  last  sleep, 
Our  minds  are  filled  with  thoughts  of  bygone 
days, 
And  though  against  our  wills  we  bow  and 
weep; 
Yet  not  for  thee  our  bitter  tears  now  fall — 
Ah,  not  for  thee  this  ache  in  heart  and 
mind — 
But  for  the  severed  ties — this  cruel  pall : 
That  we  must  wait  our  turn,  and  stay 
behind. 

Pass  on  beloved;  though  beyond  the  veil 

Our  straining  eyes  in  vain  will  seek  to  see; 
Upon  that  unknown  stream  thou'lt  safely  sail; 

Thy  captain  is  the  Christ  who  died  for  thee; 
We  would  not  call  thee  back,  again  to  take 

Thy  heavy  load  of  burdens,  crosses,  pains, 
In  God's  good  time,  we  know  that  thou  shalt 
wake, 

Where   sin    is   not — where   Love   forever 
reigns! 


j^^^^^^^^^jjg^^^^^^^S 


71 


I  ^ 


Pass  on  beloved ;  words  with  comfort  rife, 
To  us  float  down  the  years  His  peace  to 
give: 

H**I  am  the  Resurrection  and  the  Life! 
He  that  believes,  though  dead,  yet  shall  he 
live!" 
Good  Shepherd,  keep  us  in  the  years  to  come, 

So  that  we  shall  attain  yon  fairer  shore, 
And  may  they  be  found  waiting — welcoming 
Home — 
Our  dear  departed  who  have  gone  before! 

Chorus 

Pass  on  beloved,  take  thy  rest — 
The  world  is  poorer  by  thy  loss — 
But  ransomed  souls  for  aye  are  blest 
Who  mustered  out  with  Calv'ry's  Cross! 


I 


t 


„ 


72 


A  NEGLECTED  GARDEN 

Alone  am  I — all  joy  is  gone! 

Yet  who  can  ease  this  bitter  pain? 
Since  he  no  more  my  flowers  can  take, 

They  die  as  if  for  lack  of  rain. 

O  why  has  Fate  thus  treated  me — 
What  have  I  done  to  merit  this? 

No  price  would  I  refuse  to  pay 

Could  I  once  more  receive  his  kiss. 

O  ring  no  more  your  solemn  bells, 

Nor  leave  me  idle  and  alone, 
A  soul  can  live  a  thousand  hells 

Through  viewing  loss  of  love  just  known! 

Roll  back  the  curtains  of  the  day, 
And  let  the  sun  shine  warm  and  clear; 

Tell  me  that  he  for  aye  is  safe, 
And  that  his  soul  is  hovering  near: 

Or,  if  perchance  he  liveth  yet. 

He  will  come  back  o'er  stream  and  field, 
Care  for  his  garden  as  of  old — 

For  him  alone  'twill  sweetness  yield. 


73 


"AUNT  SUSIE'S^'  BIRTHDAY  PARTY 

The  world's  eternal  course  brings  year  on 
year- 
Summers  of  buoyant  life,  winters  so  bleak 
and  sere; 
The  thirty-eighth  mile-post  I'll  pass  today, 
But  my  blood  is  warm  and  my  heart  is  gay; 
My  five  years'  teaching  of  dear  "Class  Ten" 

Has  made  me  happy  and  young  again — 
Its    twenty-six    members — I'll    carve    each 
name 
In  mem'ry's  sacred  Hall  of  Fame. 


With  joy  I  gaze  into  each  beaming  face, 

And  love  this  source  of  courage  for  life's 
race, 
And  hope  each  heart  has  found  some  pow'r, 

Some  faith,  new-born  each  searching 
hour — 
The  influence  here  spread  forth,  a  stay 

To  cheer  to  noble  acts  the  strenuous  day — 
The  mighty  truths  sincerely  taught 

The  Good  Book's  news — salvation  bought. 


74 


m 
O 

i 


m 
m 


Thus  your  "Aunt  Susie's"  heart  is  full  today, 

It  brims  with  love  and  joy,  and  now  would 
pay 
A  tribute  to  God,  who  gives  all  good — 

Our  friends,  our  raiment  and  our  food ; 
So  girls  and  boys,  we've  gathered  here 

To  take  this  feast  and  quaff  this  cheer — 
For  innocent  pleasure  is  ne'er  amiss. 

And  saints  need  have  no  shame  for  this. 


m 


7i 


YEARNING 


Dear  little  maid  with  soul  so  true, 
Tell  me  how  to  be  good  to  you: 

Tis  sweet  to  remember,  and  hard  to  forget, 
And  say,  little  girl,  regard'st  me  yet? 


o 


Dear  little  maid  with  velvet  hand, 

Show  me  the  way  to  Fulfilment  Strand; 

Give  me  the  keynote,  and  teach  me  to  sing, 
That  over  your  soul  a  charm  I  may  bring. 

Craving  to  know  the  things  you'd  prize — 
Longing  to  see  as  through  your  eyes, 

I'm  ready  to  love  whate'er  you  esteem, 
Meet  you  half  way,  and  travel  up-stream. 

Coziest  maid  that  ever  man  knew, 

Hungry  is  this  heart  for  you; 
O,  how  can  I  ever  your  favor  attain, 

That  night  shall  ne'er  find  me  so  lonely 
again? 


m 


76 


Bonnie  of  person,  dainty  of  mouth — 
Sweet  as  roses  from  the  South, 

This  homeless  heart  can  know  no  rest, 
'Til  anchor' d,  welcome,  on  your  breast. 

Dear  little  maid  with  soul  so  true, 
Tell  me  how  to  be  good  to  you! 

O  how  can  I  ever  your  favor  attain. 
That  night  shall  ne'er  find  me  so  lonely 
again? 


77 


LOST 

Thou  didst  not  please  to  choose  me  thy 
companion, 
And  make  our  lives  one  endless  summer 
day; 
Pledged  life  of  care-free  ease  was  our  un- 
doing— 
All  paths  are  rough  if  love  smooths  not 
the  way; 
As  long  as  life  shall  last  I  will  remember 
The  happy  fleeting  hours  I've  spent  with 
you; 
There  is  nowhere  for  me  to  flee  for  comfort- 
In  lonely  grief  I'll  tread  life's  journey 
through. 

So  a  sigh  for  you,  and  a  sigh  for  me, 
And  a  prayer  for  grace  through  grief  to 
smile; 

A  tear  for  the  bliss  we  ne'er  may  know — 
O  say,  little  girl,  what  is  worth  while? 


78 


What  mad  delights  were  mine  had  I  but  won 
you, 
And  Oh,  how  kind  and  thoughtful  I'd  have 
been! 
I'd  ne'er  have  changed  with  time,  but  always 
cherished, 
'Til  reaper  Death  my  sheaves  should 
gather  in. 
The  beauteous  flowers  bedeck  the  summer 
meadows. 
And  birds  to  heav'n  their  songs  of  love 
outpour, 
But  what  is  beauty,  perfume,  song  or  riches, 
If  Love  hath  taken  flight  forevermore? 

So  a  sigh  for  you,  and  a  sigh  for  me. 
And  a  prayer  for  grace  through  pain  to 
smile; 

A  sob  for  the  bliss  we  ne'er  shall  know — 
O  say,  little  love,  what  is  worth  while? 


i 


ij^ji)? 


79 


Ill 


u 


RETALIATION 

He  that  knocks  and  runs  away  || 

May  live  to  knock  some  more  next  day — 
But  he  who  slanders  in  the  open 

May  live  to  wish  he  had  not  spoken. 
Some  take  vengeance  through  the  law, 

While  others  use  a  mighty  paw — 
But  the  meanest  bully  takes  a  crack 

At  helpless  folk  who  can't  fight  back. 

He  that  gluts  his  soul  with  "fun" 

Can  squander  money  by  the  ton. 
None  mourn  nor  worry  where  it  went  to, 

What  use  the  seller's  funds  are  bent  to — 
Neither  feels  accountable 

To  his  neighbor,  friend  or  foe — 
But  the  street-man's  ways  must  keep  in  line 

With  saints'  and  sinners'  judgment  fine. 


80 


o 

IP  H 


Sweet  Spirit  of  love  and  tenderness — 

Gentle  ministrant  of  Mercy's  dower — 
To  the  selfish  thou  must  e'er  remain  un- 
known— 

The  ruthless  crush  thee  down  as  flowers 
full  blown; 
O  hapless  hour  when  on  this  earth 

Some  foul  animus  gave  mean  birth 
To  thy  disgraceful  counterfeit 

Which  all  mankind  should  scorn  and  hate. 

Ne'er  let  the  day  dawn  on  my  sight 

That  sees  me  shorn  of  sense  of  right — 
Nor  let  me  hold  by  chance,  or  strength,  or 
stress, 

A  thing  I  would  not  have  all  men  possess; 
For  envy,  thoughtlessness  and  scorn 

Make  full  many  a  life  forlorn — 
Distrust  and  selfishness  remove 

All  thought  of  Charity  and  Love. 


B  El 

il 


81 


IfigftBffiSig^^^^l^gg^^^ 


A  PRAYER 

Once  more,  our  heav'nly  Father, 

We  come  to  worship  Thee — 
Confess  our  sins  and  failures, 

And  ask  Thy  pardon  free; 
Thy  love  hath  gently  led  us 

Thus  far  upon  our  way, 
O  draw  us  ever  closer 

To  yon  eternal  Day. 

O  holy,  patient  Father, 

O  loving,  pitying  Son, 
Rejoice  we  now  and  ever 

For  all  that  Thou  hast  done ; 
The  Peace  which  Thou  hast  given 

Is  ours  by  day,  by  night. 
And  death  is  but  a  tunnel 

That  ends  in  joy  and  light. 


82 


O^^^^^^^^^^^j^l^O 


AN  EMPTY  PLACE 

Soft  was  the  touch  of  her. 
Sweet  was  the  kiss  of  her, 
Kind  was  the  way  of  her — 
Eula — my  Treasure. 

Dear  was  the  voice  of  her, 
Cheerful  the  light  of  her, 
Pleasant  the  sight  of  her, 
Eula — my  Treasure. 

Shone  the  clear  eyes  of  her, 
'Rose  the  perfume  of  her, 
Tender  the  breast  of  her, 
Eula — my  Treasure, 

Strong  was  the  mind  of  her. 
Quick  was  the  wit  of  her, 
Great  was  the  worth  of  her, 
Eula — my  Treasure. 

Blithe  was  the  heart  of  her. 
Godly  the  life  of  her, 
Pure  was  the  love  of  her, 
Eula — my  Treasure, 


83 


m 


o 


Black  was  the  hair  of  her, 
Brown  were  the  eyes  of  her, 
Graceful  the  lines  of  her, 
Eula — my  Treasure. 

Pain  had  his  will  of  her, 
Cruel  the  cross  of  her, 
Lonely  the  end  of  her, 
Eula — my  Treasure. 

Hard  was  the  death  of  her. 
Hard  was  the  loss  of  her, 
Jesus  the  Hope  of  her, 
Eula — my  Treasure, 


m 


84 


DUTY 


n 


Do  all  you  can  for  those  you  ought  to  love — 
'Tis  thoughtfulness   and   service  that   best 

prove — 
Awaken!  realize  each  circled  dial — 
The  worth  of  what  'tis  yours  to  own  a  while; 
Bring  now  your  flowers,  the  praise  so  fitly 

said — 
'Twill  bless  the  living — cannot  cheer  the  dead ; 
Let  men  deride  your  sentimental  spell — 
Stay  calm  and  know  that  you  are  doing  well. 


Do  all  you  can  for  her  whom  you  should  love — 
Each  fleeting  opportunity  improve — 
Be  gentle,  kind  and  tender  while  you  may — 
^  Regrets  cannot  bring  back  this  passing  day; 

And  if  she  craves  for  admiration's  balm, 
Deny  her  not,  but  lie  without  a  qualm 
If  need  be — such  sin  will  God  condone — 
Her  happiness  will  for  that  blot  atone. 


o^B^a^g^gg^^^^i^^s^^s^^^i 


Do  all  you  can  for  those  you  ought  to  love — 
O  rather  be  dumb  than  in  haste  to  reprove — 
About  those  blunders  which  you  now  deplore. 
You'll  some  day  cry,  "Come  back  and  make 

some  more!" 
No  harshness,  just  or  unjust  is  forgiven 
By  self  when  death  these  ties  for  aye  has 

riven — 
O  cherish  those  who  love  you — crave  your 

love — 
And  God  will  smile  a  blessing  from  above. 


86 


^1 


I  Si 


o 


THE  WANING  HONEYMOON 

A  mood  of  discontent — Oho,  I  see! 
You're  not  as  happy  as  you  used  to  be — 
The  wife  seems  not  as  charming  as  of  old — 
Love's    getting    somewhat    tiresome — guess 

you're  sold; 
So  many  a  girl  you  see  upon  the  street, 
Appears  more  fair,  more  absolutely  sweet — 
A  better  dispositioned,  cleverer  dame, 
Than  the  little  woman  who  now  bears  your 

name. 

I'm  proud  to  find  you  just  as  good  a  man 
As  on  the  day  your  married  life  began — 
It's  pretty  hard  to  see  your  comrade  fade, 
Let  go  the  "bloom  of  youth — look  like  a  jade, 
Of  course  you've  let  her  shift  the  furniture. 
Do  all  the  chores,  your  comfort  to  insure — 
Such  exercise  could  only  do  her  good — 
She  raised  your  babes — but  such  is  mother- 
hood! 


'^^^M^M^^^^m^^f^^^^^m^m 


87 


ii  s 


She  might  have  had  a  little  better  show 
To  've  kept  her  looks  if  she'd  have  hoed  your 

row — 
But  friend,  if  that  sleek  woman  you  admire 
Were  indeed  your  wife — you'd  have  to  make 

the  fire — 
Do  chores,  be  driven  slave  instead  of  boss — 
Your  homely  comforts  would  surely  suffer 

loss; 
A  part  of  one's  good  looks  is  in  the  clothes — 
Does  your  wife  own  a  decent  pair  of  hose? 

Your  mouth  may  fairly  water  as  you  dream 
About  the  graceful  form  you  just  have  seen — 
But  could  you  know  the  facts  both  plain  and 

nude, 
Your  true-souled  bed-mate  is  at  least  as  good; 
Besides,  some  lovely  creatures  have  no 

heart — 
No  warmth  of  soul — let  not  your  faith  de- 
part— 
You've  got  the  sweetest  girl  you  ever  knew — 
She  had  to  be  to  wed  the  likes  of  you! 


88 


II 


o 


LOVE  S  ARCH 

Renew,  my  love,  the  fire 

That  once  did  burn  so  bright, 

Upon  the  altar  of  your  heart. 

And  happiness  invite; 

For  love  is  a  treasure  few  possess — 

Without  it  life  is  comfortless; 

I'm  glad  you're  back — but  can't  you  see, 

That  things  are  not  as  they  used  to  bel 

Tis  not  our  portion  here, 

In  full  to  realize 

The  tender  ideals  of  our  youth — 

Our  plans  we  should  revise; 

For  disappointment  breaks  the  heart. 

When  one  expects  too  fine  a  part; 

O  heart  of  mine,  respond  to  me. 

And  have  things  now  as  they  used  to  be. 


M 


I 

i 


11 


89 


m 


As  long  as  there  are  coals, 

Among  the  smouldering  heap, 

As  great  a  fire  as  hearth  can  hold 

Re-fed,  can  wake  and  leap! 

If  aught  there  is  I  yet  can  do, 

But  tell  me  dear — you'll  never  rue — 

Perfect  Loves  Arch  and  join  with  me — 

Let's  have  things  now  as  they  used  to  be\ 

Your  head  on  my  shoulder  lay. 

Let  mine  incline  o'er  yours — 

Hands  clasped  and  one  arm  holding  close, 

Complete  response  assures ; 

Foundation  built  of  deathless  faith, 

Loves  Arch  shall  stand  'til  Time's  a  wraith! 

Each  live  for  the  other,  whate'er  life's  lea — 

Let's  have  things  now  as  they  used  to  be. 


I'iS^^^^W^^M'i^^S^^ 


^SilSJ 


90 


WHAT  ARE  WE  LIVING  FOR  ? 

"Is  life  worth  living?"  the  workers  ask, 
As  they  go  about  their  irksome  task; 
Each  generation  comes  and  goes, 
And  sees  increase  in  Problem's  woes; 
Within  the  factories,  shops  and  mines, 
Are  faces  seamed  by  Dearth's  sure  lines; 
These  toilers'  homes  boast  comforts  few, 
In  vain  their  bairns  for  culture  sue : 
What  are  they  living  for? 

Look  in  upon  the  wealthy  class, 
Within  their  homes  or  as  they  pass 
On  boulevards,  'mid  pomp  and  show, 
Where  poorer  folk  can  never  go; 
How  hard  they  seek  for  some  new  thrill — 
Some  way  to  pass  the  time  until 
Tomorrow  works  its  way  around — 
Relief  from  boredom  is  transient  found: 
What  are  they  living  for? 


91 


But  turn  unto  the  happiest  folk — 

The  middle  class — they'll  hardly  croak! 
^  They  have  their  share  of  joy  and  grief, 

"~  Success  and  failure — all  are  brief; 

They  earn  enough  for  present  needs — 

More  than  enough,  but  worry  breeds; 
Yet  looking  back  o'er  years  and  days, 
The  woe,  they  say,  their  weal  out- weighs: 
What  are  they  living  for? 


Well — we  were  given  life  to  learn 

Great  lessons,  and  the  same  to  turn 
To  good  account;  the  privilege  ours, 

To  view  and  praise  Jehovah's  powers; 
To  rise  above  environment — 

In  virtue  always  to  augment; 
When  we  shall  gain  perfection  grand, 

We'll  then  be  fit  to  understand : 
What  are  we  living  for? 


o 

119 


m 


o 


92 


Til  then,  'tis  good  for  us  with  might 

To  hold  the  Truth — so  much  of  light, 
As  comes  to  us  from  day  to  day — 

To  help  somebody  on  his  way, 
By  precept  and  example  too, 

Our  humble  part  with  conscience  do; 
And  pilot  others  from  the  reef 

Of  Error;  oft  we've  said  with  grief, 
What  are  we  living  for? 

Though  wealth,  position,  fame  be  won. 

They're  but  a  sham — when  life  is  done, 
The  past  goes  by  in  swift  review. 

And  gazing,  one  sees  much  to  rue; 
He  who  is  useful — knows  the  Lord, 

Renounces  self,  and  loves  His  Word, 
Who  is  loved  of  friends — who  shirks  no  task, 

Succeeds  in  life;  and  ne'er  will  ask: 
What  are  we  living  for? 


93 


o^^s^j^^^i^^gjaesQg^s^^o 


THE  GOSPEL  TRAIN 

Where  are  you  going,  trav'lcr? 

The  night  is  wild  and  dark — 
The  road  has  many  pitfalls, 

And  woe  each  step  will  mark; 
O  Stranger,  go  no  farther 

Without  a  trusty  Guide, 
Calamities  await  you, 

Without  Him  by  your  side. 

Chorus : 

"All  aboard — all  aboard!" 

The  warning  words  sound  clear, 
"All  aboard — all  aboard!" 

The  leaving  time  is  here; 
No  more  trains — this  the  last! 

Get  your  ticket,  quick  decide — 
Arguing  time  now  is  past, 

In  heav'n  or  hell  abide! 


^agga^g#i^o 


94 


There  is  one  name  under  heaven 

Whereby  you  can  be  saved, 
Tis  certain  Transportation 

To  where  streets  with  gold  are  paved : 
Its  owner  gives  you  solace 

For  every  earthly  woe, 
With  trust  and  peace  surrounds  you, 

Wherever  you  may  go. 

Chorus 

Then  come  and  know  the  Savior 

Before  it  is  too  late, 
Come  now  and  claim  Salvation 

While  there's  an  open  gate; 
Come  quick!  the  bell  is  ringing, 

The  Gospel  train  may  go, 
O  do  not  wait,  my  brother, 

Eternal  death  to  know. 

Chorus 


'mi^^M'^^M^^M^^m 


95 


i 


BiS 


Bl 


LOVE'S  HOPE 

Yes,  somewhere  in  this  cold  and  selfish  world, 

A  heart  o'erflows  with  love  and  sympathy — 
Soft  lips  my  lingering  kisses  now  await, 

And  clinging  arms  would  open  e'en  to  me; 
Though  Stygian  darkness  rises  as  a  wall, 

And  Fate  has  robbed  of  every  helpful  thing, 
I'll  launch  my  cry — "Sweetheart!" — God 
speed  the  call : 

And  may  today  my  living  Answer  bring. 

I  scan  each  passing  face  with  anxious  eye, 

Reach  out  my  hands  at  every  spark  of  hope, 
And  yearn  for  her  who  will  not  pass  me  by — 

He  makes  mistakes  who  must  in  darkness 
grope! 
I  haven't  much  to  offer  to  you  dear,    " 

Just  love  and  home — appreciation  due — 
Who'll  say,  "He  gives  enough  who  gives  his 
all"— 

I  need  her  now — sweet  lady,  is  it  YOU? 


96 


DO  YOU  EVER  THINK  OF  ME 

O  maid  of  velvet  lashes, . 

And  eyes  of  winsome  brown, 
Your  charms  my  heart  have  captured 

And  torn  its  armor  down. 
Do  you  ever  think  of  me? 

Will  you  deign  my  plight  to  see? 
Hazy  dawn  'til  purple  twilight — 

Do  you  ever  think  of  me? 

Gentle  maid,  with  voice  of  music. 

And  soul  both  sweet  and  true, 
Days  and  nights  o'erflow  with  goodness 

When  blessed  by  dreams  of  you. 
You  are  all  the  world  to  me! 

Can  captive  Captor  be? 
Gloomy  night  'til  rosy  morning — 

Do  you  ever  think  of  me? 


n 


97 


WHILE  THOU'RT  AWAY 

Bells  that  chime  o'er  the  waving  fields, 
Birds  with  their  thrilling  lay — 
But  how  can  the  world  with  music  ring, 
While  thou'rt  away,  away? 


WJ 

111 


Sunset-painted  skies, 
Mirrored  in  rock-bound  bay — 
But  what  can  a  sight  or  a  sound  rejoice, 
While  thou'rt  away,  away? 

Hills  and  dales  with  verdure  clad. 
Flowers  with  their  colors  gay; 
But  how  can  aught  a  charm  distill. 
While  thou'rt  away,  away? 


While  thou'rt  away — ah,  me,  my  sweet- 
Tears  and  sighs  hold  sway; 
For  what  can  a  spark  of  comfort  bring, 
While  thou'rt  away,  away? 

^1^  jj^  (jf*  «^ 


98 


EXULTATION 


i! 


m 


m 


i 


How  come  such  roses  in  your  cheeks, 
How  come  your  mouth  with  honey  reeks? 
How  come  you  have  such  graceful  lines, 
Your  arms,  your  breasts  are  such  joy-mines? 
Reckon  some  bird  gave  you  his  voice, 
To  make  your  words  so  blithely  choice? 
Geraniums  hover  you  I  bet — 
'Cause  say — you're  mighty  sweet  to  pet! 

How  come  your  soul  so  kind  and  true? 
You  thrill  me  dearie,  through  and  through — 
If  this  whole  lovely  world  were  mine, 
I'd  humbly  bring  it  to  your  shrine; 
My  heart  keeps  singin'  all  the  day. 
Since  I  dared  ask — and  found  I  may 
Expect  to  have  you — needn't  fret — 
And  Gee — you're  mighty  sweet  to  pet! 


» 


1 

a 

99 


IMPATIENCE 


My  heart  is  full  of  yearning, 
Mine  eyes  are  filled  with  tears ; 

Wild  thoughts  my  brain  are  thronging, 
No  rest  my  spirit  cheers. 


m 


I  hear  thee,  see  thee,  feel  thee. 
At  morn,  at  noon,  at  night; 
Thy  winsome  grace  and  lovely  face 
My  soul  fills  with  delight. 


The  day  is  long  and  dreary. 
Though  faithful  smiles  the  sun; 

With  grief  my  heart  is  weary — 
Would  God  the  task  were  done! 

Ah,  do  not  think  I  doubt  thee — 
Tis  simply  hard  to  feel 

That  bliss  as  great  as  having  you 
Shall  not  be  dreamed,  but  real. 


m 
m 


100 


KATHLEEN 

Sweetheart  Kathleen, 
Dear  little  queen — 
Happy  the  day  that  I  found  you ; 
Heaven  has  blest, 
Now  I  can  rest, 

Love  in  his  meshes  has  bound  you; 
Though  the  path  may  wind, 
Fate  seem  unkind, 
Within  your  arms  still  joy  I'll  find. 


o 


Refrain 

Sweetheart  Kathleen,  my  true  love, 
'Round  you  my  arms  I  twine — 
Fresh  as  the  dew-dipped  roses. 
Glad  in  the  sun's  warm  shine; 
This  world  o'erflows  with  beauty, 
How  can  a  heart  repine? 
Pleasant  the  path  of  duty — 
God  keep  you  ever  mine! 


o 


101 


Mother  so  dear — 

Dad  I  revere — 

Both  in  yon  church-yard  are  sleeping; 

Old  homestead  gone, 

Kinsfolk  all  drawn, 

Far  from  old  scenes  memory's  keeping; 

But  while  some  may  please, 

The  world  to  roam, 

We'll  choose  the  joys  of  "Home,  sweet  home. 

Refrain 


THE  JOYS  OF  SUMMER 

The  season  Queen  of  all  the  year, 
When  all  things  at  their  best  appear, 

When  airs  are  soft  and  skies  are  clear, 
O  the  joys  of  summer! 

Then  sports  and  pastimes  multiply, 
Then  leisure  hours  go  hastening  by, 

Then  work  is  tackled  with  a  sigh, 
O  the  joys  of  summer! 


The  fishing  seems  all-fired  good. 

The  birds  are  calling  from  the  wood, 

You'd  hasten  out  there  if  you  could, 
O  the  joys  of  summer! 

But  since  you're  bound  to  stay  at  home, 
While  those  more  lucky  shirk  and  roam, 

You'll  get  the  hose  and  soak  the  loam, 
O  the  joys  of  summer! 


II 


I 


The  purse,  indulgence  still  denies — 
Since  action  always  mollifies, 

You'll  vent  your  spite  by  swatting  flies; 
O  the  joys  of  summer! 


That  fellow  had  his  trunk  all  packed, 
And  ticket  bought — no  speed  he  lacked, 

But  left,  just  as  he  was  attacked — 
O  the  joys  of  summer! 

A  fly  is  sure  a  mighty  pest — 

He's  there  to  tease  when  you  would  rest- 
He  thinks  your  pawing  but  a  jest : 

O  the  joys  of  summer! 

Some  epidemic  we  should  start, 
Oj  To  give  Sir  Fly  a  failing  heart, 

Or  Meningitis*  mighty  dart — 
Augment  the  joys  of  summer! 


104 


w  ^ 


Whoever  read  of  "Flies  Sun-struck!" 
"Appendicitis  has  'em  stuck!" 

What  human  had  that  much  good  luck? 
O  the  joys  of  summer! 

Now  one  of  summer's  greatest  joys, 
Is  getting  up  a  crowd  of  boys, 

And  camping — far  from  city  noise; 
O  the  joys  of  summer! 

So  thus  you  rest  your  weary  soul, 

On  a  cot  right  width  for  a  barber-pole» 

While  skeeters  take  their  nightly  toll : 
O  the  joys  of  summer! 


ia  el 


These  river  skeeters  seem  to  be, 
Some  form  of  wing-ed  elephantry, 

With  a  spike  on  the  end  of  his  trunk,  by  gee! 
O  the  joys  of  summer! 


i 


f 
I 


^ 

S 


The  fish  bite  best  when  you're  alone — 

Such  selfishness  we  may  condone; 
The  boat  from  camp  you  softly  sneak, 

To  some  snug  cove  'way  up  the  creek; 
At  noon,  some  Rube  you'll  think  to  bilk, 

Out  of  some  food,  or  at  least,  some  milk; 
It  seems  the  old  man's  gone  to  town — 

The  girls  are  home! — yes,  you'll  sit  down! 
Since  daddy  won't  be  home  'til  dark, 

'Tis  sure  a  first  class  chance  to  spark; 
Of  course  you  know  the  way  to  camp! 

Remain  for  supper — your  'vantage  tamp: 
O  the  joys  of  summer! 

At  last  the  good  old  man  appears, 
And  ah — the  time  for  parting  nears! 

'Tis  hard  to  tear  yourself  away. 
But  hope  to  come  again  next  day; 

So  back  toward  camp  you  bravely  start, 
With  whistled  tune  and  happy  heart; 


II 


^1 


106 


m 


You  think  you'll  take  a  shorter  cut — 
You  tie  the  boat  and  start  off — but — 

Somehow  the  woods  seem  mighty  dark, 
Taint  like  walking  through  a  park — 

A  fallen  tree — a  pool —  such  luck! 
You  stumble — fall  right  in  the  muck : 
O  the  joys  of  summer! 

If  your  camp  friends  should  see  you  now, 

They'd  swear  you'd  flirted  with  a  sow. 
You  dig  the  junk  from  out  your  eyes. 

And  wish  that  you  had  been  more  wise — 
Regret  you  stayed  'til  after  dark; 

Such  grewsome  shades  and  noises — hark! 
Your  flesh  creeps — heart  thumps — erect  your 
hair: 

Perhaps  yon  thing's  a  grizzly  bear! 
About  worn  out  with  bumps  and  fright — 

My  goodness  gracious,  what  a  night — 
At  last  you  find  the  blessed  camp, 

And  sneak  to  bed  without  a  lamp: 
O  the  joys  of  summer! 


107 


When  morning  comes  you  square  yourself, 

By  telling  how  the  woodland  elf 
Had  treated  you  the  night  before — 
O  Which,  though  amusing,  made  you  sore; 

But  after  breakfast,  get  the  gun, 

And  see  if  hunting's  any  fun; 
You  see  a  squirrel — miss  your  aim — 

Give  chase  and  almost  catch  the  game; 
But  city  feet  are  clumsy  junk — 

You  get  them  tangled,  and — ker-plunk! 
A  beehive-pillow's  not  the  thing — 

A  while  your  face  rides  in  a  sling: 
O  the  joys  of  summer! 

The  farmer's  girls  must  wait  in  vain — 
One  can't  be  nice  when  in  such  pain; 
OJ  Besides,  your  looks  would  make  them  laugh — 

You're  in  no  mood  to  take  their  chaff; 

Folks  say  that  berrying's  lots  of  fun, 


108 


Although  it's  warm  out  in  the  sun; 
But  as  you  pick,  a  garter  snake 

Decides  his  leave  he'd  better  take; 
You  see  him  move,  and  yells  out-pour; 

It  might  be  an  asp  or  a  constrictor! 

So  up  you  jump  and  run  for  life — 

You  seem  no  kin  to  old  Lot's  wife: 
O  the  joys  of  summer 


In  swimming  breeches  now  essay, 

To  sport  some  idle  hours  away; 
Get  sun-burned,  all  a  cherry  red — 

The  hide  peels  off  from  hips  to  head ; 
Then  is  aught  in  the  way  of  dress, 

An  abomination  of  heaviness: 
A  farmer's  orchard  you  invade — 

Harsh  sounds  the  welkin  soon  pervade — 
When  you're  in  the  top  of  the  tallest  tree, 

The  farmer  turns  his  game-dogs  free; 
By  such  small  sipace  you  win  the  race, 

You    should    sit    down — yet    can't    with 
grace : 
O  the  joys  of  summer! 


■I 


109 


alC 


■^\\ 


m 


A  drizzling  rain  sets  in  next  day — 

So  in  the  tent  you're  doomed  to  stay; 
The  guy-ropes  shrink — up  come  the  stakes — 

You  drive  them  back  'til  the  mallet  breaks; 
All  go  to  bed,  but  in  the  night, 

The  wind  starts  blowing  with  ripping 
might — 
The  blooming  tent  comes  dripping  down — 

The  rain  beats  in  as  if  to  drown! 
Wet  matches  mean  no  fire  or  light — 

Sit  'round  and  shiver  all  through  that 
night — 
And  rain  all  food-stuffs  sure  defiles; 

The  nearest  town?    About  five  miles: 
O  the  joys  of  summer! 

So  all  agree  to  start  for  home — 

'Tis  safer,  'neath  a  solid  dome; 
As  from  the  depot  with  load  you  go, 

A  crowd  is  spied  up  Newspaper  Row; 
Perhaps  there's  something  great  to  see — 

The  President — or  a  dog-fight  free: 
First  bulletins  of  how  our  team 

Is   showing   York   giants   some   base-ball 
steam; 


110 


an 


m 


So,  rushing  madly  up  the  street, 

You  feel  distressed  when  loafers  greet 
Your  haste  with  jeers — a  sorry  deal — 

Just  a  man  been  killed  by  an  automobile! 
Go  home — pray  for  sense — this  life's  whole 
show, 
Is  but  a  blooming  farce  you  know : 
Like  the  joys  of  summer' 


^^^^ 


THY  FACE 


O'er  hill  and  vale  the  rising  sun, 
The  gloom  of  night  doth  chase- 
So  care  and  grief  now  flee  before 
Thy  sweet  and  holy  face. 


Ill 


I  WILL 

Brother,  life's  day  is  short — 

Eternity  has  no  end; 
You  should  claim  salvation  now, 

Judgment  day  you'll  need  a  Friend; 
Jesus  gave  his  blood  for  you, 

Jesus  is  a  friend  who's  true; 
Brother,  how  can  you  stay? 

Renounce  the  world  and  say: 


Refrain 

I  will  heed  the  Savior's  knock, 

And  become  one  of  his  flock; 
Since  he  now  forgives  the  past. 

With  the  Cross  my  lot  I'll  cast; 
I  will  take  the  manly  stand, 

Turn  from  sin,  do  God's  command; 
I  will  answer  while  I  may — 

I  will  yield  my  soul  today. 


112 


II 


&8ig 


Jesus  is  at  the  door — 

O  fail  not  to  let  him  in; 
You  should  take  him  for  your  guide, 

It  is  death  to  live  in  sin; 
You  cannot  be  saved  by  tears, 

Give  no  mind  to  mortal  fears; 
Trust  Him  and  strive  and  pray, 

Come  up,  dear  soul,  and  say: 

"I  will,"  etc. 

Satan  will  strive  to  hold — 

His  triumph  is  now  at  stake; 
Every  day  his  fetters  grow, 

Break  them  while  you've  power  to 
break ; 
Say  not,  you  are  free  from  sin — 

Mortal  man  has  never  been: 
Vaunt  not  your  pride  today. 

Take  sides  with  Christ,  and  say : 

"I  will,"  etc. 


I 
I 


113 


GRAY  BALLAD 


ill 


Still  hold  thy  lamp  dear  friend, 

Before  mine  eyes — 
A  wealth  of  comfort 

In  its  glimmer  lies; 
How  soon  the  selfish  friendship 

Fades  and  dies! 
Would  I  might  ever  keep 

These  holier  ties — 
Still  hold  thy  lamp. 

In  youth  and  prime,  both  road 

And  sky  are  clear — 
No  dearth  to  hinder — 

Plenty  far  and  near ; 
When  all  is  changed  and  age  stands 

Stark  and  sere, 
One  gropes  about  and  counts 

A  welcome  dear. 
Still  hold  thy  lamp. 


^ 


114 


''^mM^^^^M^m.^^ 


The  light  of  friendship  cheers 

The  darkest  way — 
When  constantly  it  sheds 

Its  blessed  ray; 
The  noblest  acts  are  those 

Not  done  for  pay — 
Tve  nought  to  give  but  yet 

I  humbly  pray: 
Still  hold  thy  lamp! 


1^1 


115 


CONSOLATION 


m 


Turn,  turn  to  me — whaftever  be  thy  burden — 
Strive  not  to  keep  thy  grief  within  thy 
heart ; 
When  trouble  comes,  the  shallow  all  forsake 
thee — 
Constancy  bids  me  do  a  kinder  part! 


i 


m 


Though  selfish  men  have  filched  thy  precious 
treasures — 
Taken  thine  all,  and  left  thee  lost  and  lone — 
Call,  call  to  me!     with  zeal  and  haste  I'll 
answer, 
Thine  to  command  is  all  I  am  or  own! 

Come,   dear  one,   come;   relieve   thy   bitter 

heartache — 

Welcome  art  thou — let  love  this  tribute  pay ; 

I'll  understand,  with  insight  swift  and  gentle — 

These  loving  hands  would  wipe  thy  tears 

away. 


116 


UNREGENERATE 


o 


The  doctor  sez  my  stummick, 
Has  got  plumb  out  o'fix, 

My  liver  has  done  wasted — 
Seeds  jam  my  ap-pen-dix. 


My  skin  keeps  on  a  yallerin*, 
My  lease  is  hastenin*  by, 

In  short,  I'm  totely  founderin, 
From  too  much  berry  pie. 


o 


I  wish  that  my  Creator 
Had  made  old  Adam  keep 

Right  in  the  straight  and  narrow, 
An'  let  his  senses  sleep. 

But  since  he  chose  the  habit 
Of  cravin'  things  too  high, 

I  feel  I've  got  excuses 
For  wantin'  berry  pie. 


i 


117 


O^S^l^^^i^^^i^^^^l^^ 


Now  when  life's  day  is  over — 
All  done  with  hopes  and  fears — 

The  fashion  is  to  tender 

Sweet  flowers  and  salty  tears. 

I  wish  my  friends  would  do  this, 

The  day  before  I  die, 
And  let  their  fond  affections 

Be  'spressed  in  juicy  pie. 

I'll  then  climb  in  the  coffin, 

Without  a  qualm  or  sigh, 
And  take  the  plunge  full-stummicked, 

With  'nuff  of  berry  pie. 


1: 


118 


m 


FEAR 

Thou  blighting  viper  from  a  Dante's  hell — 

Imbued  into  the  mind  from  infancy, 
To  rob  of  peace,  reduce  man's  potency, 
To  hurt  the  health,  make  failures,  ring 
Faith's  knell : 
And  when  thy  growth  no  force  attempts  to 
quell, 
Thy  vantage  shows  in  greater  vacillancy, 
Unchecked,  to  culminate  in  maniacy : 

No  quarter  ever  marks  thine  influence  fell ; 
Thou'st  been  so  sly,  thou  ne'er  wert  seen 
'til  late, 
But  now  thou'rt  known,  thou'lt  find  man 
dares  defy; 
Except  he  yield,  no  power  can  separate 
That  soul  from  God  who  strives  from  sin  to 

fly; 

By  prayer,  by  will,  this  curse  annihilate — 
O  dragon  Fear,  now  and  forever,  DIE! 


rh 


<^- 


m\ 


\\^ 


3ii 


119 


^ 


SINCE  THOU  ART  GONE 


Since  thou  art  gone,  the  restful  sky 

Hath  lost  its  lovely  blue, 
No  more  have  bells  a  thrilling  sound, 

Nor  flowers  a  charming  hue. 

Since  thou  art  gone  I  wait  and  wait, 

And  listen  all  the  while, 
O  how  I  long  thy  step  to  hear 

And  see  thy  loving  smile. 

Since  thou  art  gone — this  body  seems 

A  worthless  mass  of  clay — 
Life's  endless  round,  but  vapid  dreams, 

That  keep  Friend  Death  away. 

Since  thou  art  gone — if  God  there  be, 
That  heedeth  human  grief — 

He'll  soon  call  thence  my  iriangled  soul 
And  send  the  grave's  relief. 


120 


Since  thou  art  gone  I  grope,  I  fall, 

I  wonder  who  I  am, 
And  what  existence  here  is  for, 

And  what  the  end  of  man? 


m 


Since  thou  art  gone — O  Faith,  stand  by! 

Oh,  leave  me  not  alone — 
There  is  a  God — He'll  hear  my  cry — 

And  some  day  call  me  home. 

Home — where  moth  and  rust  eat  not, 
Nor  thieves  break  in  and  steal — 

Where  mortal  woes  are  all  forgot, 
And  Christ  all  wounds  doth  heal! 


121 


s\E\ 


"^^mi^^^^^t^mm 


M\ 


AN  OLD  STAFF 


Tis  many  a  mile  we've  been,  my  wooden 

friend — 
Mere  rosewood  stick — yet  oft  I  apprehend. 
You  have  a  grain  of  consciousness — a  heart — 
For  how  could  aught  that's  dead  play  such  a 

part? 
Few  men  can  claim  acquaintance  broad  as 

mine, 
Yet  not  a  soul  among  the  human  kind, 
Has  been  as  brave  as  you  and  free  from 

blame, 
Sweet-scented  staff  that's  earned  a  worthier 

name. 


I 


'Twas  forty  years  ago  my  sweetheart  Fay, 
Gave  you  to  me  that  happy  Christmas  Day — 
Your  graceful  crook  lay  snug  about  my  arm — 
An  ornamental  thing — a  guard  from  harm; 
Outside  my  reach  you  scarce  have  been  since 

then, 
And  may  you  never  pass  beyond  my  ken — 
E'en  when  'tis  time  to  lay  me  'neath  the  soil, 
I'll  clasp  you  still — true  friend  through  play 

and  toil. 


m 


III 


]^mi^Mm^^mzi:M^m^m^'^m^^^n 


Aha!  but  we  did  make  those  ruffians  fly, 
That  stormy  night — they  thought  no  help 

was  nigh  ^ 

And  sought  to  'sault  my  Fay  or  take  her 

purse —  ^ 

She  ran,  but  fell — which  made  the  matter 

worse ; 
I  hasted  fast  as  e'er  legs  took  a  man, 
And  swung  my  rosewood  stick  as  few  men 

can — 
I  knocked  their  weapons  from  their  hands  and 

beat 
Them  into  ignominious  retreat. 

You  helped  me  win  my  sweetheart  for  my 

wife — 
You've  helped  me  in  a  thousand  sorts  of 

strife : 
In  youth  the  touch  that  made  me  feel  well- 
dressed — 
A  source  of  calm  to  help  me  do  my  best; 
And  now  in  feeble  age,  my  trusty  stay, 
That  aids  my  crumbling  castle  on  the  way — 
I  won't  feel  quite  at  home  in  yon  bright  land, 
Unless  my  rosewood  stick  be  in  my  hand. 


^3 


123 


m 


m 


i 


FRIENDSHIP 

Thou  wert  ever  good  and  kind — 

Therefore  have  I  called  thee  Friend; 
Thou  hadst  me  often  in  thy  mind — 

No  wound  thy  gentle  tongue  did  send; 
No  selfish  purpose  taught  thy  ways — 

No  subtle  greed  e'er  bribed  thy  heart; 
In  looking  back  I  bless  those  days 

And  sore  regret  that  friends  must  part. 


i 


Kinship  is  no  guarantee, 

Those  whom  birth  hath  placed  close  by 
Will  hold  their  interest  pure  and  free 

And  seek  thy  good  with  single  eye; 
But  thou  wert  faithful,  noble  soul, 

And  kindly  just  from  year  to  year; 
Thou  heldst  thine  aims  to  higher  goal 

Than  victories  over  Friendship's  bier. 


O 


124 


o 


Sorrow  came — thy  comfort  too; 

Shame  accused — yet  thou  didst  trust; 
My  early  efforts,  crude,  you  knew, 

Yet  strengthened  me  with  upward  thrust ; 
No  matter  hid  I  from  thy  gaze — 

A  guide  wert  thou  of  firmest  mien; 
In  every  way  thou'st  earned  fair  praise — 

A  truer  friend  hath  man  ne'er  seen. 


o 


Father  mine,  and  mother  dear — 

Brother,  sister,  neighbor,  wife — 
In  whomsoe'er  these  traits  appear, 

I  see  the  sprite  that  sweetens  life; 
What  though  this  trusting  heart  may 
break 

From  faithlessness  of  one  loved  friend, 
Yet  I  will  know  and  solace  take 

That  time  another  sure  will  send. 


o 


i 


125 


31 


Thou  hast  e'er  been  good  and  kind — 

Therefore  have  I  called  thee  Friend; 
No  fears  or  doubts  assail  my  mind — 

No  loss  or  change  I  apprehend; 
But  though  one  friend  should  fickle  be, 

Or  flail  the  heart  with  coldness  new- 
Thanks  be  to  God  I  plainly  see, 

The  Spirit  of  Friendship  aye  is  true. 


126 


WATCHER'S  SONG 

Jesus  is  coming — O  hear  the  glad  word, 
The  like  of  it  has  not  for  ages  been  heard — 
Then  come  precious  Saviour,  and  come  noble 

King, 
A  few  souls  are  ready  Thy  welcome  to  sing. 

Jesus  is  coming — O  happy  the  day — 
False  doctrines  and  mystery  will  vanish 

away; 
All  creeds  and  religions  He  will  merge  into 

one, 
Possess  all  His  vineyards,  thou  husbandman's 

Son. 

Jesus  is  coming — but  how  will  He  come — 
Descend  from  the  heavens  with  trumpet  and 

drum. 
With  shouting  archangels  and  fiery  cloud, 
Convincing  at  once  both  the  humble  and 

proud  ? 

Jesus  is  coming — O  what  would  we  do, 

If   He  should   come   meekly   when  nobody 

knew? 
Would  we  be  like  children  or  apostles  of  old. 
Accept  His  new  gospel  and  enter  His  fold? 


O^^l^ll 


127 


E 


Jesus  is  coming — then  come  blessed  Christ — 
The  worth  of  thine  advent  could  not  be  o'er- 

priced ; 
Conviction  place  on  us,  the  Truth  let  us  see. 
That  nothing  can  keep  us  from  knowing  'tis 

Thee! 


i 


Jesus  is  coming — O  hasten  the  hour, 

When  sin,  pain  and  sorrow  shall  no  more 

have  power; 
There's  nothing  we  hold  but   we'd  gladly 

release, 
To  gain  us  a  place  in  Thy  Kingdom  of  Peace. 


128 


DEATH 

Behold  an  enemy  worthy  of  thy  steel! 
Prepare  to  quit  thee  as  becomes  a  man : 
Nerve  up  thy  courage,  lest  thou  flinch  or  reel : 
Be  thou  content  to  meet  this  racial  ban; 
Since  man  is  born  to  hardship,  grief  and  pain, 
Why  feel  regret  this  fickle  world  to  leave? 
Has  any  pleasure  proved  too  good  to  wane? 
In  what  can  man  perfection  here  achieve? 


i 
o 


Farewell  proud  earth — too  well  indeed  thou'st 
feigned 

To  be  God's  good  creation — man's  estate. 

And  thou  wert  fair,  'til  Disobedience  strained 

The    Creature's    standing — and    deserved 
this  Fate; 

If  atheistic  claims  be  wholly  true. 

Then  no  Hereafter  makes  the  dead  dis- 
tressed ; 

If  pain  and  sorrow  cease,  there's  naught  to 
rue, 

And  Death  is  but  a  means  of  perfect  rest. 


129 


n 


All  things  through  Death  are  transitory  made ; 
His  authority  is  absolute — his  call 
Quite  irresistible.     This  grewsome  shade 
At  last  has  triumphed  since  old  Adam's  fall. 
That  Death  is  but  a  birth,  there  is  some 

chance — 
And  not  a  greater  change  than  embryos  know, 
When  forced  from  ease  to  full  inheritance, 
Yet  of  their  previous  life  no  memory  show. 


m 


m 

i 


Away  with  Dread — away  with  Doubt,  my 

soul! 
Hold  fast  the  sheaves  thou'st  gleaned  from 

earthly  dross! 
For  One  came  down  from  heaven  to  fix  thy 

goal— 
To  show  the  way — and  buy  thee  through 

His  cross; 
Beyond  such  mercy's  reach  thou  canst  not 

fall- 
Though  justice  be  too  good  for  such  as  thee — 
But  trust  in  Him — thy  times  can  bring  no 

gall; 
By  Faith,  thou'lt  soon  be  done  with  Mystery! 


130 


m 

i 


n 


o 


HEAVEN 

Sure,  Heaven  is  a  state  of  consciousness: 

Existing  therefore  wholly  in  degree; 
Where  God  is,  there  is  lasting  happiness, 

For  all  who  love  both  right  and  equity; 
E'en  in  this  transient  little  world  of  ours, 
There  are  so  many  deep  and  wondrous 
things — 
So  much  to  learn  that's  quite  beyond  our 
powers, 
Who  dares  fore-judge  thy  Heaven,  thou 
King  of  kings! 

In  this  short  life,  rejoicing,  we  have  used, 

Each  added  power ;  with  Him  as  we  unfold, 
With  joy  we'll  see  God's  gracious  gifts  in- 
fused. 

Eternal  progress  in  ourselves  behold; 
For  then  as  now,  He'll  give  to  every  one. 

More  than  he  can  in  full  appreciate; 
We'll   own   the  friendships   dear,    on   earth 
begun — 

Renew  old  ties,  no  more  to  separate. 


131 


ir 


(^ 


"But  where  is  Heaven?"  some  doubting  one 
inquires; 
Shun  idle  talk — thy  first  concern  should  be 
To  know  the  Lord;  to  live  as  He  requires, 
Accept  His  Christ  and  strive  the  Truth  to 
see; 
"Believe  and  ye  shall  never  die!"  'Tis  writ — 
Then  know,  the  righteous  merely  taste  of 
death — 
The  wicked  suffer  it.    Sown  in  the  pit 

The  seed  must  die,  to  heed  Life's  quicken- 
ing breath. 

"But  where  is  Heaven?"  some  doubter  still 
may  ask; 
'Tis  that  fair  place  where  mansions  are 
prepared ; 
Man  enters  in  the  outer  courts  to  bask 

In  glory's  light  when  he  no  pains  has  spared 
To  get  in  harmony  with  Deity. 

The  overcomers  leave  this  plane  at  once  to 
go 
To  Life  and  Service — wholesome  piety — 
While  others  sleep  a  thousand  years  or  so. 


U 


132 


FORGET-ME-NOT 

No  letter  comes  from  you  my  dear — 

So  soon  have  you  forgot? 
In  these  sad  eyes  there  shines  a  tear — 

Sweet  friend,  forget-me-not! 

Oh!  would  that  I  within  your  heart, 

Had  gained  so  warm  a  spot, 
To  treat  me  so,  such  pain  would  start, 

You  would  forget-me-not. 

May  Time  twine  roses  in  your  hair, 

A  thornless  path  allot — 
Of  all  that's  good  a  bounteous  share, 

And  Faith — forget-me-not! 

Thy  "fare-thee-well"  was  sweet  and  kind, 

With  hope  these  lines  I  jot — 
Again  to  come  before  your  mind 

And  say —  "Forget-me-not!" 


133 


GOOD-BYE 


O 


'Tis  time  to  part — how  dear  those  hours 
We've  spent  in  fellowship  divine! 
Both  work,  and  recreation's  flowers, 
Made  sweet  by  Friendship's  holy  wine; 
For  when  our  tongues  no  words  have  found, 
It  just  seemed  good  to  have  you  'round — 
The  all-wise  God  alone  can  know 
How  hard  it  is  to  let  you  go — 
Good-bye,  sweet  friend. 


o 


We've  each  desired  the  other's  weal — 
Sought  to  bring  out  the  very  best 
That  in  us  lay;  thus  both  may  feel. 
All  those  who  have  such  friends  are  blest: 
Ah  yes!  'tis  mighty  hard  to  part, 
And  bitter  tears  will  often  start ; 
The  future's  veiled  from  us  indeed — 
How  much  may  each  the  other  need! 
Good-bye  sweet  friend. 


o 


134 


Not  everyone  may  we  well  call 

By  the  sacred  name  of  friend — alas! 

Few  have  much  depth — when  known  they 

pall, 
And  into  kind  oblivion  pass; 
My  purpose  perfect  in  all  things 
Is  your  sweet  faith — such  joy  it  brings; 
Your  loss  an  aching  void  will  leave 
Reunion  only  can  retrieve: 
Good-bye  sweet  friend. 


o 


I'll  sadly  miss  your  cheery  smile, 
The  lingering  hand-clasp,  ready  ear, 
Your  tender  sympathy,  free  from  guile, 
That  understanding,  rare  and  dear; 
Yet  these  not  more  than  that  fine  trait 
Which  condoned  my  failings,  ne'er  did  prate, 
Yet  sanctioned  not;  in  heaven,  I  ween, 
There's  naught  to  mar  or  intervene: 
Good-bye  sweet  friend. 


• 


135 


p 

(flL<3^ 

^ISI#l}^^^iEl 

=Sll^^^g#fl^ 

^1 

h 

^ 

^ 

i 

^ 

i 

H 

1 


sg 


.  5]pL<^s^[iLassrc3-7 


m^m^wm^^B^^M^^M^\ 


u 


u 


POEMS 


A  BOOK  OF 


POEMS 


BY 


ARTHUR  FRANKLIN  FULLER 


VOL.  V  -  VI. 


ANCHOR  PUBLISHING  CO. 
2110  Addison  Street 
Berkeley,  California 


o 


Copyright  1914 

by 

Anchor  Publishing  Co. 


i 


WETZEL  BROS.  PRINTING  CO. 
2110  Addison  St.,  Berkeley,  Cal. 


CALIFORNIA 

Your  letter  came  today  and  pleased  me  well — 
I'm  glad  to  sit  right  down  and  try  to  tell 
What  can  be  found  in  this  dear  "Golden  State"; 
^  Don't  think  I  overdraw — I'll  tell  it  straight. 

Within  its  boundaries  you  can  find 
'Most  every  climate  you  could  call  to  mind; 
Yet  for  the  most  part,  it  is  milder  here, 
And  nearly  ideal,  any  time  of  year. 

The  East  lies  buried  deep  in  ice  and  snow, 
When  here  the  grass  and  trees  the  greenest  show; 
The  sky  is  bright  and  sun  shines  clear  most  days 
In  California — theme  for  poet's  lays. 

Electric  lines,  like  giant  spider  webs. 
Convenience  give — the  steam-roads'  prestige  ebbs; 
While  miles  of  boulevard  lie  beside  the  sea, 
And  lead  o'er  hill,  o'er  vale,  by  ranch  and  lea. 

You'd  see  great  droves  of  cattle — herds  of  sheep; 
The  stock-farms,  truck-farms — then  your  gaze 

could  sweep 
O'er  groves  of  walnuts,  fields  of  cotton,  too; 
The  spine-less  cactus — best  fodder  e'er  man  grew! 


141 


Here  fields  of  sugar-beets  the  eye  will  please. 
And  sweet  alfalfa  waves  in  luscious  seas; 
In  Coachella  valley,  date-palms  spread — 
In  Yucaipa  land  grow  apples  big  and  red. 

The  ostrich  and  the  alligator  farms 

Afford  amusement — add  to  feminine  charms; 

The  San  Joaquin  valley  adds  its  tasty  store 

Of  figs,  grapes,  prunes  and  luscious  things  galore. 


But  the  greatest  thing  of  all  in  this  great  land 
Is  the  orange  grove — so  fragrant  and  so  grand; 
Casabas  sweet  with  water-melons  vie. 
While  grape-fruit  and  peach  orchards  oft  you'll  spy. 


fii 


'Tis  in  Tulare  county  where  one  sees 
A  wonder  of  the  world — the  redwood  trees; 
Why  there  are  some  near  thirty  feet  at  base, 
That  reach  three  hundred  feet  up  into  space! 


But  many  love  the  eucalyptus  best — 
Some  stand  one  hundred  feet  from  ground  to  crest; 
While  in  the  background  loom  the  mountains  grim  — 
Here's  scenery  to  meet  one's  every  whim. 


I 


There's  beautiful  Lake  Tahoe — I  'most  forgot — 

A  splendid  place  to  go  to  fish  and  yacht; 

In  California's  marshes  cranes  we  see — 

In  the  mountains,  wolves,  deer,  bears  and  lions  be! 

'Round  Bakersfield  comes  little  from  the  soil. 
But  there  a  world  of  wealth  is  found  in  oil ; 
There's  scarce  a  thing  you'll  name  but  here  is  found — 
Of  all  the  stuff  that's  taken  from  the  ground. 

Within  our  cities  one  can  go  and  find, 
In  color,  tongue,  religion — his  own  kind; 
Poor  folks  declare  the  climate  safest  yet — 
Because  for  fuel  and  clothes  they've  less  to  fret. 

This  State's  a  splendid  place  to  come  and  rest — 
And  those  who  can  stay  the  longest  are  most  blest; 
They  renew  their  joy  in  living — for  they  see 
One  place  where  things  are  as  we'd  have  them  be. 

So  many  come  for  health  and  find  it  here — 
Some  come  too  late  for  aught  to  help  or  cheer; 
Here  Father  Time  wears  an  indulgent  smile, 
And  for  the  old  folks,  just  turns  back  a  while! 


143 


The  yards  and  hedges  yield  for  slightest  care, 
Profusion  great — there're  flowers  everywhere; 
Sweet  violets,  roses  and  geranium, 
Poinsettia,  poppy  and  chrysanthemum. 

Who  could  from  loving  flowers  now  refrain — 
Make  these  dear  smiles  of  God  exist  in  vain? 
Hydrangea,  hyacinth  and  lilies  white, 
Nasturtiums  and  sweet  peas,  e'en  bees  delight! 

The  gaudy  moths  and  butterflies  flit  past 
In  glad  parade — no  need  for  them  to  fast; 
The  humming-birds  call  California  home — 
When  joy  and  food  abounds,  what  need  to  roam? 

All  through  the  night  the  mocking  birds  here  sing: 
By  day,  red-headed  linnets  on  the  wing 
Fruit-robbers    prove — yet    pipe    sweet    tunes;    just 

hark? 
Yon  bull-finch  rivaling  nightingale  and  lark. 

Struts,  satin-blackbird — sings,  gay  oriole — 
Let  man  expand  his  sordid,  hardened  soul; 
The  sportive  seals,  make  merry  'mid  the  rocks — 
Ducks,  geese  and  quail,  speed  marshward  in  gay 
flocks. 


144 


All  nature's  joyous — life  is  worth  the  while — 
Sure  all  have  blessings — only  fools  revile; 
If  Fortune  lets  you  come  out  Sunset  Way, 
You'll  swear  "Old  Cal"  's  a  bully  place  to  stay! 


145 


l^i-#a!ig^!^f^^OP 


CONSECRATION 


My  Father,  I  delight  to  do  Thy  will — 
With  heavenly  wealth  would  I  my  coffers  fill ; 
If  there  be  any  place  I  can  supply, 
Accept  my  humble  answer,  "Here  am  I." 
See  now  my  all  upon  Thine  altar  laid — 
Though  torn  by  my  mis-use  and  sadly  frayed ; 
Through  Christ's  atonement,  spare  me  from 

Thy  rod — 
Now  I  delight  to  do  Thy  will,  O  God. 

How  precious,  Lord,  is  that  Thou  hast 

revealed — 
How  sweet  the  Truths  within  Thy  Word 

concealed! 
And  just  to  think  that  God  could  notice  me — 
Whom  little  lords  of  earth  would  scorn  to  see! 
The  Adversary  mocks  and  rudely  tears. 
But  I  take  heart,  rejoiced  to  know  God  cares ; 
Though  I  may  stumble  oft,  I'll  Homeward 

plod. 
And  strive  to  know  and  do  Thy  will  O  God. 


i^ 


[^ 


^^^s^ 


[rr^SUJ^^asj]  [sms>ir], 


146 


(2^ 


■^)\ 


31(5/ 


O 


U 


Help  me  to  be  a  faithful  steward  here, 
To  humbly  do  my  best  without  a  fear; 
Ah,  let  me  be  a  fool  for  Jesus'  sake — 
Yet  ne'er  Thy  Truth  as  pearls  a  show  to  make 
Before  the  swine;  but  harmless  as  a  dove, 
And  wise  as  any  serpent,  prove  that  Love 
Can  suffer  long ;  though  counted  odd, 
'Tis  sweet  indeed,  to  do  Thy  will  O  God. 

I  thank  Thee,  Lord,  my  privilege  has  been 
To  see  the  exceeding  sinfulness  of  sin — 
And  how  Thy  strength's  made  perfect  in  the 

weak — 
When  taught  of  God,  the  unlearned  with 

wisdom   speak; 
How  sweet  to  feel,  Thou'rt  mindful  of  Thine 

own — 
Wilt  make  a  harvest  from  the  seed  that's 

sown — 
Ah,  man  can  never  into  progress  plod, 
Except  he  do  Thy  will,  Thou  righteous  God. 


147 


Life's  disappointments,  trials,  and  intricacy, 
But  save  from  indolence  and  degeneracy; 
And  Thou  permittest  Evil  but  to  mould, 
To  chisel,  chasten,  render  fit  to  hold 
Some  place  laid  open  by  Thine  own  design — 
E'en  grapes  must  bear  the  press  to  yield  their 

wine! 
Though  smooth  the  way  or  rough,  with  joy 

I  plod, 
Since  I  have  learned  to  love  Thy  will  O  God. 


O  let  me  trust — and  give  as  I  receive — 
They  nothing  lack  who  on  Thy  Word  believe; 
My  all  of  talents,  powers,  time,  I  owe 
To  Thee  who  bore  so  much  the  way  to  show ; 
To  live  is  to  work  for  Christ — in  death  I'll 

rest, 
And  'wait  Thy  coming — Thou' 11  accept  my 

best — 
I'll  thrill  to  Life  and  wake  from  'neath  the 

sod. 
At  Thy  ''Come  forthf — I  love  Thy  will,  my 

God. 


l^O^^i 


148 


HIS  FIRST  PANTS 

I  des  I'se  mos'  a  man — 
Taws  now  I'se  wearin'  pants; 
Pop  says  I'se  growin'  all  I  can — 
Des'  gib  me  lots  of  chance! 

I  ain't  got  'spenders  yet — 
Deeze  fasten  to  my  waist — 
Our  baby  still  wears  button  shoes- 
I'se  big — 'cuz  deeze  is  laced. 


I  doe  to  Sun'y  school — 
Dis  penny's  goin'  dare — 
I'se  never  goin'  to  break  a  rule 
Or  scratch  my  new  red  chair. 


m 
1 


My  pottet's  full  of  things 
I  need  and  want  to  keep — 
My  knife,  a  pencil,  nails  and  strings- 
Don' t  tell  you  had  a  peep! 


m 


I  mus'  look  jus'  like  dad — 

My  doodness  ain't  I  fine — 

Deeze  pants  wuz  made  f um  some  he  had, 

I'se  ossel  proud  dey're  mine! 


m 


149 


THE  PRODIGAL  PUP 

I'm  just  a  small  fox-terrier  pup; 
My  hair  is  short  and  white  except 
A  spot  of  black  that  covers  up 
One  ear  and  half  my  face;  I'm  kept 
Inside  the  house  most  every  day — 
Especially  when  the  weather's  cool — 
With  me  the  children  romp  and  play, 
But  I'm  really  owned  by  Harry  Poole. 

Each  day,  about  half  way  to  noon, 
My  mistress  goes  out  to  the  store — 
She  always  says  she'll  be  back  soon, 
But  waiting  proves  to  be  a  bore; 
So  one  fine  day  I  thought  I'd  try, 
And,  (unbeknownst  to  her)  slip  out — 
I'd  hide  in  some  good  place  close  by, 
To  follow — and  that  section  scout. 


i 


150 


m 

i 


O 


o 


i 


The  scheme  worked  fine — 'twas  such  a  lark! 

I  met  a  girl-pup,  fluffy  white; 

You  know  I  had  to  stop  and  spark — 

My  mistress  soon  got  out  of  sight; 

I  wandered  'round  an  awful  while, 

Until  toward  dark  a  man  jocose, 

Just  coaxed  me  near  with  subtle  guile, 

And  took  me  right  into  his  house! 

I  never  saw  so  many  kids — 

All  sizes,  from  the  creeper  up; 

They  pulled  and  mauled — such  treatment 

bids 
One  wish  he  were  a  rubber  pup; 
I  thought  of  Harry's  gentler  ways — 
And  got  right  homesick  then  and  there — 
I  guess  that  roving  seldom  pays — 
It's  safer  where  there're  friends  and  care. 


O 


151 


i^^i^^^g^^^^ 


They  kept  me  for  an  age  it  seemed — 
They  seldom  gave  me  food  or  drink; 
Of  such  a  fix  I  never  dreamed — 
I  don't  know  what  such  people  think! 
A  knock  was  heard  at  the  kitchen  door— 
I  barked  as  every  house-dog  should — 
With  joy  I  thrilled  right  to  the  core, 
For  on  the  step  my  master  stood! 

A  great  reunion  then  took  place — 
He  grabbed  me  up  into  his  arms, 
While  happy  tears  ran  down  his  face. 
And  both  forgot  our  past  alarms; 
He  crooned  to  me  the  whole  way  back, 
I  licked  his  face  and  hands — don't  scoff! 
They  fed  me  till  I  thought  I'd  crack, 
From  joy  my  stump-tail  near  wagged  off! 


f« 


m 


M 


W 


152 


o 


i 


BILLY  BOY 

"Just  ten  minutes  since  I  dressed  you, 
In  your  frock  so  clean  and  white — 
But  you've  been  in  mother's  pantry, 
And  you're  smeared  with  yam,  you  wight! 
But  your  pranks  are  soon  forgotten; 
Every  night  I  brim  with  joy, 
When  you  cuddle  up  to  mother — 
Billy-boy,  my  Billy-boy. 

"You're  an  orphan — I'm  a  widow — 
Oft  I  yearn  for  days  of  yore — 
For  I  sometimes  get  discouraged, 
Keeping  grey- wolf  from  the  door; 
Ah,  the  world  is  cold  and  cruel. 
How  life's  problems  do  annoy — • 
But  I  know  my  baby  loves  me: 
Billy-boy,  my  Billy-boy! 


o 

1 

O^l^Jl^^^^Of^^^ 

li^&#l^ 

0 

153 


"I  can  almost  see  you  growing — 
Twon't  be  long  till  you're  a  man; 
'T won't  be  long  till  you've  a  sweetheart- 
Live  your  life  as  best  you  can! 
Don't  forget  your  lone  old  mother, 
When  your  home  fills  life  with  joy — 
When  your  fond  wife  softly  murmurs: 
'Billy-boy,  my  Billy-boy.'  " 


Don't  forget  the  hand  that  rocked  you- 
Don't  forget  your  mother's  care — 
When  you  were  a  helpless  infant, 
Hardships  often  she  did  bear; 
Giving  all,  yet  asking  nothing — 
Prayed  that  angels  safe  convoy; 
Love  her,  till  the  Master  calls  her — 
Billy-boy,  dear  Billy-boy! 


STARTED  RIGHT 


w  9 


I'm  a  half-orphan — father  died  the  very  day 
That  I  was  eight  years  old;  an'  people  say 
I  look  just  like  my  daddy — maybe  that's  why 
My  mother  loves  me  so;  I  mean  to  try 
To  do  just  everything  my  daddy  said, 
That  day  he  had  me  sit  upon  his  bed. 
Why,  I  remember  every  single  word — 
My  head  was  clear,  though  tears  my  eyes  had 
blurred. 


Dad  said,  that  talk  was  bound  to  be  the  last. 
Because  he  saw  the  end  was  nearin'  fast; 
There  ain't  no  boy  but  needs  a  father's  hand. 
To  keep  him  straight  and  make  him  under- 
stand ; 
He  said,  "My  son,  I  hate  to  leave  you  now — 
But,  be  a  man,  and  bravely  take  the  plow. 
I'll  have  to  leave  your  mother  in  your  care — 
Report  to  God  each  night  in  humble  prayer!" 


155 


mi 

i 


He  told  me  much  there  isn't  time  to  tell, 

"Get  started  right,  stay  right — you'll  finish 
0  well!" 

Some  say  to  *sow  wild  oats'  means  happi- 
ness— 

But  dad  said,  "Sin  brings  only  bitterness. 

Those  things  some  say  to  do  to  make  a  man, 

Just  make  a  brute — you  spurn  that  dirty 
span!" 

Forget  dad's  talk?    Leave  mom?    You  bet  I 
won't — 

I'm  goin'  to  be  a  man — see  if  I  don't. 


i 


156 


W} 


m 

i 


OUR  THANKSGIVIN'  DUCK 


o 


Thanksgivin'  comes  but  onct  a  year — 
A  day  of  thankfulness  and  cheer; 
It's  proper  folks  should  celebrate — 
Their  blessins,  pause  and  estimate; 
Though  you've  small  cause  delight  to  feel, 
Rejoice  then  in  the  Nation's  weal; 
Ef  eat  in  turkey's  not  your  luck, 
Be  satisfied  to  have  a  duck. 


o 


o 


i 


A  farmer  friend  took  kindly  thought, 

So  on  his  way  to  town,  he  brought 

A  dandy  little  quackless  duck — 

The  cutest  thing  I  ever  struck; 

His  wings  were  brown — the  rest  was  white, 

A  waddlin'  duck's  a  curious  sight — 

Sure — feed  him  good — it's  bound  to  pay — 

We'll  eat  him  on  Thanksgivin'  Day. 


o 


157 


M 


There's  just  my  wife,  the  kid  an'  me, 

That  duck  would  just  be  right  for  three! 

To  tend  him  was  our  daily  care, 

He  got  good  water,  grub  and  air; 

He  grew  like  sixty — big  and  fat; 

I  built  a  roost — he  hissed  at  that! 

He  foiled  my  dreams  and  crushed  my  pride! 

Thanksgivin'  eve  he  up  and  died! 


II 


There  by  his  trough  he  calmly  laid; 
Fond  hopes  of  dinner  'gan  to  fade — 
Perhaps  he  played  that  trick  for  spite — 
But  now  he's  dead,  what  use  to  fight? 
We'll  only  have  plain  milk  and  mush. 
Our  appetites  with  which  to  hush; 
We're  thankful  yet — don't  mean  to  kick — 
Ef  we'd  et  him  we'd  all  been  sick. 


1 


158 


CRADLE  SONG 

The  deepening  twilight  bids  thee  hush, 
The  stars  light  up  the  milky- way, 
Lie  still  and  listen  to  the  thrush 
As  he  thrills  this  soothing  lay: 
Hush,  sweet  baby,  hush! 

The  oriole's  babes  are  sleeping  now. 
No  fears  distress  them  in  their  nest, 
Cozily  swinging  from  the  bough 
Close  to  their  mother's  breast: 
Hush,  sweet  baby,  hush! 


As  close,  dear  babe,  I  am  holding  thee. 
Trust  like  the  birds — to  trust  is  well, 
For  thou  art  dear  to  God — and  me; 
And  this  the  Saviour  came  to  tell: 
Hush,  sweet  baby,  hush! 


159 


UGLY  ELLEN 

October's  blasts  blow  raw  and  chill 

In  frolic  mad  o'er  vale  and  hill; 

Around  the  house  they  shriek  and  moan — 

Through  leafless  trees  they  whizz  and  groan, 

In  whirling  eddies  in  the  street, 

Dead  leaves  and  twigs  in  mourning  meet; 

The  dark  comes  quick  with  noises  queer — 

The  most  depressing  time  of  year. 

A  mother  sat  in  her  kitchen  neat, 
Preparing  toothsome  things  to  eat — 
Came  hurried  steps  and  draught  so  cool, 
To  prove  that  Ellen  was  home  from  school; 
She  came  with  song  and  laugh  before — 
Today  her  books  drop  to  the  floor, 
As  sinking  down  at  mother's  knee. 
She  gives  full  vent  to  misery. 


160 


When  Ellen's  grief  was  nearly  spent, 
The  mother  into  causes  went; 
For  none  can  find  in  any  land, 
A  friend  so  quick  to  understand; 
And  none  can  comfort — dry  the  tears, 
Renew  the  hope  and  calm  the  fears, 
Like  mother  'neath  the  shrine  of  home. 
Where  grief-tried  hearts  should  always  come. 

"  'Twas  Jennie  Northrup  made  that  speech — 

The  others  love  to  hear  her  preach! 

She  thinks  she's  smart  because  she's  rich! 

She's  pretty — but  she  needs  the  switch. 

I  cannot  help  my  carrot  locks, 

Or  being  clumsy  as  an  ox — 

My  freckles  and  my  poor  pug-nose, 

Are  poor  excuse  for  snobbish  blows." 


161 


*'  That  Ellen's  face  will  be  her  doom — 
She  is  the  ugliest  in  our  room — 
The  rich  and  handsome  men,  you'll  see. 
All  marry  pretty  girls,  like  me! 
But  ugly  girls  like  her — why  fudge! 
She's  bound  to  be  a  kitchen  drudge — 
But  I'll  wear  silks  and  be  a  queen, 
While  such  as  she,  get  envy-green.'  " 


The  mother  said:  "Don't  cry,  my  child — 
Your  school-mate's  frank,  but  far  from  mild 
Yet  all  her  dreams  may  not  come  true — 
We'll  hope  to  see  the  matter  through; 
A  'beauty'  is  unfortunate — 
At  best  she  finds  a  jealous  mate — 
Is  spoiled,  made  selfish,  kept  a  toy; 
Will  have  temptation — know  least  joy." 


162 


"For  Beauty  kindles  carnal  fires — 
Makes  worldly  things  bind  all  desires; 
Thus  selfish  traits  grow  on  apace — 
The  vanities  of  life  debase; 
You  can't  be  beautiful — Tis  so! 
You  can  be  clean  and  goodness  show; 
Improve  your  mind,  gain  charm  and  grace, 
And  make  of  home  a  happy  place." 

October's  blasts  blow  raw  and  chill, 
In  frolic  mad,  o'er  vale  and  hill — 
Around  the  house  they  shriek  and  moan. 
Through  leafless  trees  they  whizz  and  groan; 
But  Ellen  feels  no  more  depressed 
For  hidden  deep  within  her  breast 
Are  mother-sown  ideals  to  prize 
Which  Ellen  means  to  realize. 


f 


163 


^o^ 


CHRISTMAS  TIME 

Hurrah — it's  Christmas-time  again! 

The  time  of  crispy  weather; 

Ah,  Love  and  Cheer  are  captains  then, 

And  dear  ones  get  together; 

Let  go  the  real  and  fancied  grudge — 

The  tomahawk  go  bury; 

We're  all  in  debt  to  one  great  Judge, 

So  let's  be  good — and  merry. 

Lay  every  grievance  on  the  shelf. 

And  keep  the  circle  growing; 

Who  hates  his  neighbor,  harms  himself- 

We'll  reap  from  what  we're  sowing; 

Decide  to  do  somebody,  good — 

Just  let  the  grouchy  pester; 

Enjoy  this  Christmas  as  you  should, 

And  be  a  jolly  jester. 


i 


164 


Let  holly  from  the  curtains  swing — 

Have  mistletoe  in  plenty; 

Break  up  your  wrinkles — laugh  and  sing — 

Make  old  folks  act  like  twenty; 

An  innocent  kiss  will  work  no  ill, 

Though  cheeks  blush  like  a  cherry; 

Make  some  sad  heart  with  pleasure  thrill — 

It's  Christmas-time — be  merry! 

If  fortune  hasn't  smiled  on  you, 

And  you  can't  give  one  present, 

Brush  up  your  seedy  clothes  and  do 

Your  best  at  being  pleasant; 

Though  Christmas  finds  you  wandered  far 

Away  from  kindred's  bevy, 

Don't  let  hard  times  your  spirits  mar — 

Let  mails  with  Love  be  heavy. 


ij 

m 


165 


m 

I 


Now  when  you  get  to  feeling  good, 

Be  gentle  as  a  rabbit — 

Retain  your  Christmas  smile  and  cheer, 

Until  you  get  the  habit; 

Just  let  your  war-tools  rust  and  rot — 

Though  worldlings  think  you  flappy — 

A  grudge  gets  even  when  forgot! 

It's  Christmas-time — be  happy! 


o 


166 


DEAR  LITTLE  HAND 

Dear  little  hand  and  wise  little  heart, 
Words  cannot  measure  the  sweet  you  impart ; 
Blessed  am  I  since  you  understand, 
And  I  know  that  you  love  me  by  this  little 
hand. 

Dear  little  hand — it  is  a  cold  world — 
Into  a  wreck  are  one's  hopes  sometimes 

hurled ; 
There  stands  no  soul  so  brave  or  so  grand, 
But  needs  such  a  comfort  as  this  little  hand. 

Dear  little  hand,  I  ever  will  prize 
Your  gentle  touch  and  the  news  it  implies; 
Care  flies  away  when  this  magic  wand, 
Creeps  softly  to  me — Oh,  this  dear  little 
hand. 

Dear  little  hand — why,  what  would  I  do, 
Without  my  heavenly  Father  and  you? 
Mercy  He  showed  toward  me  when  He 

planned. 
Unselfish  devotion  from  this  little  hand. 


167 


ife^i°@i^i^^^^ga^^^^^^^i 


A  ROSE 


She  gave  me  a  rose — she  gave  me  a  smile — 
The  heart  of  me  glowed  with  pleasure  the 

while; 
A  symbol  of  thought — how  shall  I  express 
The  blessing  that  came  from  her  pure  caress? 

She  gave  me  a  rose — her  womanly  hands 
Just  lingered  a  while — the  mem'ry  still 

stands ; 
A  smile  born  of  God  was  that  flower's 

grace — 
A  beam  of  His  love  shone  in  her  sweet  face. 


168 


Tm  thinking  now  of  you,  dear  friend, 
Because  'tis  Christmas  Day; 
Through  Retrospection's  paths  I  wend, 
And  yield  to  Fancy's  sway. 


Each  soul  is  a  ship  upon  Life's  sea — 
Must  bear  both  calms  and  gales; 
A  reckoning  there  oft  must  be, 
To  note  how  now  she  sails. 


Each  starts,  attended — when  all  is  fair, 
But  braves  alone  the  deep; 
So,  few  and  precious  are  those  who  care 
A  friendly  port  to  keep. 


169 


The  times  and  things  we  two  have  shared — 
Which  formed  our  common  ground, 
Have  woven  bonds  which  Love  has  spared, 
Since  Faith  our  friendship  crowned. 

I'll  think  of  you  throughout  the  year, 
At  rest,  at  work  and  mart; 
There'll  always  be  your  place,  my  dear — 
A  shrine  within  my  heart. 


170 


PRAYER 

O  blessed  means  of  ease  whereby  to  bring 
Our  burdens,  hopes,  ambitions,  to  His  feet, 
In  meekness  trusting  in  His  mercy  sweet- 
The  worthiness  of  Jesus  Christ  the  King! 
Thus  to  the  winds  may  we  our  worries 

fling— 
For  Faith  is  honored  at  the  mercy  seat; 
According  to  His  will  must  we  entreat, 
For  then  the  Song  of  Victory  we  may  sing. 
Sweet  privilege  of  every  child  of  God — 
To  know  God  is!  and  really  does  reward 
The  earnest  who  intelligently  plod 
And  hold  communion  with  the  risen  Lord 
Although  proud  carnal  interests  beck  and 

nod — 
These  find  His  blessing  on  their  spirits 

poured. 


@ 


171 


m 

i 


o 


THE  FAITHFUL  PLAYMATE 

A  boisterous  gang  of  city  boys 

For  exuberant  spirits  sought  a  vent, 

'Most  every  game  of  romp  and  noise 

To  summer  hours  their  pleasure  lent; 

Base-ball  and  shinny  proved  too  much 

Exertion  for  an  August  day, 

And  sunburn  waits  the  backs  of  such 

As  dare  to  swim  in  high  noon's  ray. 

So  alley,  yard  and  vacant  lot 
Were  scoured  well  for  source  of  fun; 
At  last  one  boy  conceived  a  plot 
Which  soon  the  others'  plaudits  won, 
They  found  a  large  tomato  can 
With  jagged  top  bent  up  askew, 
A  piece  of  rope  fulfilled  the  plan, 
They  sought  a  dog  to  tic  it  to. 


172 


Ere  long  a  gallant  scout  returned 
__        Mid  shouts  of  joy  from  every  throat ; 
Ipl         Anticipation,  conscience  spurned, 

O'er  a  mongrel  pup  they  all  did  gloat; 
The  trusting  thing  would  hardly  guess 
That  these  were  not  the  self-same  boys 
Who  dealt  at  home  but  kind  caress, 
So  looked  for  naught  but  further  joys. 


O 


The  puppy  writhed  when  tight  the  knot 
Was  drawn  by  cruel,  sturdy  hands; 
At  first  it  would  not  move  a  jot, 
Nor  heeded  yet  their  harsh  commands ; 
At  this,  with  kick  and  prod  and  stone 
With  shout  and  din  they  crazed  with  fear 
The  helpless  pup;  with  yelp  and  groan 
It  strove  to  flee  this  torment  queer. 


o 


i 


In  savage  glee  they  trouped  along, 
These  cruel  boys  behind  the  pup. 
This  vain  delight  would  they  prolong; 
Breath  failed — they  then  the  chase  gave  up ; 
The  poor  brute  ran  and  ran ;  the  tin 
Kept  bouncing,  cutting,  urging  on 
With  hollow  roar  and  clattering  din, 
And  jerked  its  bushy  tail  anon. 


173 


a 


So  slower  and  yet  more  slow  it  went, 
Nor  riddance  found  from  that  behind, 
With  trembling  limb  and  vigor  spent. 
Its  eyes  to  further  danger  blind. 
The  pup  turned  down  a  busy  street 
Where  vehicles  in  passing  met; 
It  dodged  confused — no  longer  fleet — 
And  danger  every  way  beset. 

The  tin  hung  fast  on  a  cobble-stone. 
The  poor  thing  tugged  with  all  its  might; 
In  dumb  despair,  with  hope  o'erthrown. 
The  pup  cowed  down  in  sorry  plight; 
A  wagon  rushed  above  its  head — 
How  vainly  oft  the  helpless  beg — 
The  horse's  pounding  hoofs  were  fled. 
But  one  wheel  crushed  the  pup's  fore-leg. 

From  nearby  rushed  a  different  lad 
From  those  who  please  to  work  such  harms- 
The  end  of  that  mean  prank  was  sad — 
He  took  the  dog  up  in  his  arms; 
With  tears  of  pity  streaming  down 
His  boyish  face,  he  homeward  ran — 
His  brows  all  puckered  in  a  frown — 
The  fight  for  that  dog's  life  began. 


m 


The  men-folks  said  to  shoot  the  beast, 
And  end  its  suffering  right  away; 
The  boy  said;  "Well,  we  can  at  least 
Bind  up  its  leg  and  let  it  lay 
Right  there  a  while,  and  if  it's  hurt 
So  it  must  die,  we'll  find  that  out; 
And  then  there's  time  enough  to  squirt 
Your  lead-pills."    So  it  came  about. 

Some  said  the  bones  would  never  mend, 
And  that  the  foot  would  soon  drop  off; 
The  boy  replied:  'That  loss  won't  end 
Its  growl  and  bark — no  one  need  scoff. 
A  good  three-legged  dog  suits  me 
Far  better  than  a  four-limbed  cur, 
And  this  young  canine  I  can  see, 
Has  got  more  sense  than  folks  who  slur." 

The  dog  got  well.    The  wooden  leg 

The  boy  had  whittled  out  was  thrown 

Away  with  joy — a  natural  peg 

Is  sure  the  very  best  that's  grown. 

The  dog  soon  reached  maturity — 

Its  name  of  "Beauty"  well  deserved — 

In  breed  it  lacked  in  purity 

But  its  faith  and  sense  were  oft  observed. 


m 


175 


It  loved    to  play  the  horse  for  Tim, 
And  drew  him  on  his  roller  skates 
Along  cemented  walks — for  him 
A  snap — soon  envied  by  his  mates, 
When  winter  came,  hitched  to  a  sled 
The  dog  could  pull  the  groceries  home; 
On  zero  nights,  it  proved  in  bed, 
A  silk  foot-warmer  in  quilted  dome. 

If  baby  strayed  toward  danger,  then 
The  dog  pulled  gently  by  the  skirt; 
Thrice  burglars  gained  an  entrance  when 
The  family  slept;  ere  aught  was  hurt 
The  sagacious  dog  had  roused  the  house 
And  put  the  sneak  to  hasty  flight; 
He  came  as  stealthy  as  a  mouse. 
But  left,  slam  bang,  for  the  jet  of  night. 

The  dog  would  chase  a  ball  or  stick 
And  bring  it  back  from  field  or  pond. 
Jump  rope,  catch  crackers —  do  many  a 

trick — 
Of  a  dog,  no  kids  could  be  more  fond. 
When  placed  on  the  piano-seat, 
On  the  keys  its  paws  would  raise  and  drop, 
Throw  back  its  head  and  howl  in  a  sweet 
Round,  mellow  scale,  from  base  to  top. 


176 


Some  jealous  person  telephoned 
Complaint  to  the  police  one  day; 
For  paying  dog- tax  had  been  postponed — 
Hard  times  had  come  the  family's  way; 
The  officer  came  for  a  killing  rude — 
He  searched  the  place;  in  vain  he  chid! 
A  box  that  once  held  breakfast  food 
Concealed  the  dog  'neath  wood-pile  hid. 

But  the  father  said,  the  dog  must  go — 
A  fine  for  him  who'd  foil  the  law — 
But  Tim  bore  ill  to  have  it  so — 
His  dad  the  dog  no  longer  saw! 
They  played  as  usual  through  the  day, 
But  the  dog  was  hid  when  darkness  came; 
'Twas  safe  while  dad  was  off  at  work — 
This  kind  deception  who  will  blame? 


At  meal-time,  Tim  would  use  his  blouse 
For  a  safe,  and  slip  from  off  his  plate. 
His  share  of  meat,  and  leave  the  house 
Just  after — thus  the  canine  ate. 
The  boy  went  "junkin'  "  every  day, 
Sought  rags,  old  iron,  copper  and  brass; 
The  junk-man  bought — thus  Tim  could  pay 
That  dog-tax — his  dad's  veto  pass. 


mM 


177 


^^^[^g^^O^^^^^B-#l}^ 


^1 


D 


The  dog  was  only  medium  size, 

But  feared  no  thing  or  great  or  small; 

At  catching  rats  this  pet  was  wise — 

A  spitz-and-terrier  loves  a  brawl. 

It  was  first  to  greet  those  homeward  bound, 

And  once  when  a  bully  jumped  on  Tim, 

A  cause  to  rue  at  once  he  found, 

For  Beauty's  jaws  had  squeezed  his  limb. 

He  vowed  revenge  and  later  threw 
Some  poisoned  meat  where  'twould  be  found; 
He  watched  it  eat  and  bragged  he  knew 
The  route  on  which  that  dog  was  bound; 
The  druggist  taxed  his  keenest  wit — 
For  the  suffering  brute  no  hope  was  shed; 
The  neighbors  helped  and  none  did  quit — 
But  late  that  night  'twas  left  for  dead. 

The  children  cried  themselves  to  sleep. 
And  hard  men  showed  some  sympathy. 
While  Beauty  gasped  with  anguish  deep, 
For  death  could  not  far  distant  be. 
Imagine  then  the  joyous  shock 
When  sharp  and  clear  rang  out  a  bark 
As  the  milk-man  came  at  four  o'clock 
Then  all  trouped  out  as  from  Noah's  Ark. 


^^a^[^^^O^^^^^^i 


178 


Till  Tim  was  man-grown  did  it  live, 
And  talked  with  its  expressive  eyes; 
Of  gold  and  lands  it  had  naught  to  give — 
But  faithful  love  is  a  greater  prize; 
Let's  not  forget  the  pets  grown  old — 
From  present  need  let's  kindly  save — 
And  when  such  friend  lies  stark  and  cold, 
In  memory  respect  its  grave. 

As  this  dog,  few  as  noble  are — 

Some  make  too  much  of  a  household  pet — 

But  seek  in  youth  to  firmly  bar 

The  tendency  to  tease  and  fret; 

To  crush  a  worm  or  maim  a  fly 

Just  to  see  a  struggle  for  escape  and  life. 

Will  lead  to  the  gallows  bye  and  bye — 

To  love  or  let  alone,  sure  room  is  rife. 


[jLcma-aJ 


m 


'^Bi£k 


179 


SMILES 

The  Bible  tells  us  that  ''Jesus 
wept,^'  hut  no  where  is  there  a 
line  to  indicate  that  Diety  ever 
cracked  a  smile. 

— Elbert  Hubbard. 

An  infidel  will  rant  for  Money's  sake — 
Some  authors  gain  their  goal  by  lauding 

smiles; 
Self-preservation,  Conscience  oft  defiles — 
But  when  with  small  excuse  man  dares  to 

make 
A  smudge  by  blasphemy,  then  dare  to  break 
The  spell,  and  ponder  why  he  thus  reviles! 


180 


Now,  smiles  are  seen  where  man  a  maid 

beguiles, 
Or  bold  deceit  the  victim's  arms  must  take; 
Where  teasing  banter  dares  to  conscious 

wrong — 
Or  stinging  sarcasm  blights  some  soul  with 

shame. 
The  nobler  traits  to  a  passive  face  belong. 
Those  money-changers  saw  no  smile  when 

came 
The  One  who  drove  them  out  despite  the 

throng — 
For  Good  is  calm,  and  always  beams  the 

same. 


t 


ULcmT^p 


181 


1 


m 


DECORATIONS 


O  Your  character  is  moulded  by  the  things 

you  see — 

They  make  you  more  that  which  you  are  and 
will  to  be; 

The  decorations  hanging  on  your  chamber 
walls 

May  either  curse  or  save  you  when  Tempta- 
tion calls! 


o 


When  you  waken  in  the  morning,  then  your 

mind  is  fresh — 
Imagination  wraps  you  in  a  filmy  mesh; 
It  feeds  its  shuttle  from  the  things  that 

greet  your  gaze, 
Then  weaves  the  fabric  of  your  soul  and 

marks  your  ways. 


182 


^i 


If  in  your  bachelor  hall  there  hangs  some 

treasured  thing 
That  you  need  blush  to  show  a  virgin, 

priest  or  king: 
Go,  burn  it  in  the  furnace  and  forget  its 

worth — 
'Tis  better  you  make  progress  than  to  own 

the  earth. 


o 


o 


183 


FAITH 

No  soul  is  born  upon  this  mundane  sphere 
But  has  his  heritage — though  it  be  small — 
Some  faith — the  most  essential  gift  of  all, 
Since  life  without  it  could  not  persevere; 
It  grows  by  use  or  blights  from  tests  severe; 
Advancement,  naught  but  sloth  can  long 

forestall, 
And  firm  it  stands  when  sight  and  senses  fall! 
Through  faith  comes  poise — the  banishment 

of  fear. 
The  simple  think  it  plain  credulity — 
Impressions  oft  their  minds  and  hearts  be- 
night; 
Debauched  are  they  by  vain  philosophy; 
'Tis  faith  in  God  that  makes  man  full  of 

might — 
Which  holds  His  Word  the  true  authority — 
For  such  will  God  arise  and  prove  the  right. 


^ 


184 


1 


SOLACE 


Rest  in  fullest  measure — 
Wait  upon  the  Lord ; 
Soon  'twill  be  His  pleasure 
To  fulfill  His  word; 
Then  will  Truth  dawn  faster- 
Prize  its  message  terse; 
"God  is  still  the  Master 
Of  His  Universe!" 

Darkness  may  seem  near  thee- 
Trouble  pressing  nigh — 
Carnal  mind  may  vex  thee, 
And  thy  mettle  try; 
Look  to  Him  the  harder 
When   things  seem   adverse — 
God  is  still  the  Master 
Of  His  universe! 


is^^^^i 


185 


Naught  can  ever  harm  thee, 
Thine  is  trust  secure — 
God  is  in,  and  'round  thee — 
Let  not  sense  allure; 
In  His  will  abiding, 
None  can  good  reverse; 
God  is  still  the  Master 
Of  his  universe. 


186 


BE  A  MAN 

There  are  far  too  many  lazy-bones — 
Leisure-loving,  tired  drones; 
They  oft  "plead  sick" — this  shiftless  clan — 
Reject  the  call  to  be  a  man! 

Who  wants  to  be  a  millionaire — 
Without  a  need — without  a  care? 
'Tis  best  to  join  the  useful  van — 
'Tis  no  small  thing  to  be  a  man! 

Not  many  die  from  overwork 
Or  need  be  shown  a  way  to  shirk; 
More  fear  they'll  miss  the  easiest  plan. 
Than  heed  the  motto  "Be  a  man!" 

Don't  seek  excuse  for  doing  wrong, 
Or  justify  the  whiner's  song; 
On  filthy  talk,  maintain  a  ban — 
It  takes  back-bone  to  be  a  man! 


187 


ffil  Be  thorough,  lad,  in  all  you  do, 

Remember  God  is  watching  you; 

What  has  been  done,  just  know  you  can 

Do  quite  as  well — just  be  a  man! 

Be  competent — you'll  find  delight 

In  doing  things  with  all  your  might! 

With  rambling  thoughts  most  wrecks 

began — 
Mind  well  each  task  and  be  a  man! 

Don't  hide  behind  a  woman's  skirt, 
Or  flinch  and  cry  before  you're  hurt; 
While  others  can't,  stay  with  your  "can" 
The  lad  who  wills  can  be  a  man! 


m 

I 


o 


I 


188 


mi 

i 


THE  TALISMAN 


O 


How  sad  it  is,  O  dear  one, 

We  met  when  'twas  too  late 

To  weld  our  lives  together 

Within  Love's  Golden  Gate! 

And  often  my  hot  tears  are  falling — 

If  you  saw,  would  you  wonder  why? 

'Tis  the  thought  of  the  present  that's 

galling — 
What  talisman  have  I? 


o 


i 


0  do  not  think  you're  a  toy,  dear — 
Just  a  dupe  for  me  to  play : 

Nor  a  friend  for  me  to  fall  back  on, 
If  the  world  went  a- wry,  some  day! 

1  know  you  think  you're  forgotten — 
When  you  see  me,  my  eyes  are  dry — 
'Tis  the  yearning  that  makes  me  dumb, 

dear — 
No  talisman  have  I! 


o 


189 


O  do  not  think  I  would  hold  you, 

Through  vanity  to  feel 

The  pleasure  of  admiration, 

Another  man's  love  to  seal. 

And  to  think  that  things  could  not  be 
changed  dear, 

No  matter  how  hard  we  might  try — 

Happiness  only  comes  through  good  con- 
science— 

No  talisman  have  I ! 


1 


What  a  comfort  to  dream  of  sincere  love- 
Of  things  that  might  have  been 
If  we  only  had  met  years  ago,  dear, 
And  my  hand  you  had  cared  to  win. 
Let  me  feel  you  would  never  have  left  me 
Alone  with  no  comfort  nigh 
Just  to  wait  for  your  tardy  returning — 
Then  a  talisman  have  I. 


1^1 


m 


Let  me  feel  you'd  appreciate  service — 
The  loving  attentions  due; 
The  things  that  are  treasured  by  woman 
Would  never  be  scorned  by  you! 
As  I  lie  in  the  dark  and  the  silence, 
"Must  I  live!"  is  my  heart's  mad  cry — 
Yet  if  you  will  never  forget  me, 
Then  a  talisman  have  I. 


How  often  I've  pictured  you  coming 
Down  the  path  to  a  cottage  door — 
Home  to  me  in  the  soft  light  of  evening — 
Ah,  of  life  I  would  ask  nothing  more! 
You're  so  cherry  and  Oh,  so  unselfish — 
To  be  kind  you  don't  have  to  try — 
Please,  O  please  say  you'll  never  forget  me 
Then  a  talisman  have  I! 


m 


1^ 


191 


O  my  Dream-love — could  I  but  see  you — 

Though  barriers  forever  stay — 

Just  to  know  you  were  well  and  happy 

Would  comfort  me  day  by  day. 

If  all  men  would  do  right  like  you  dear, 

With  your  principles  so  high, 

This  old  world  would  be  freer  of  heart-aches- 

This  talisman  have  l! 


192 


SELF-WILL 

How  oft  we  hear  the  stubborn  say, 
In  everything,  "I'll  have  my  way"; 
How  blind  are  some  to  simple  Truth — 
Experience  must  teach  these  youth. 

As  little  children  we  should  be, 
None  but  the  meek  his  God  will  see; 
Toward  least  resistance  have  respect. 
For  then  has  force  compound  effect. 

The  happiest  folk  are  self-possessed; 
They  say,  "I  want  the  way  that's  best!' 
Thus  restful  calm  replaces  strife. 
From  a  better  attitude  toward  life. 


193 


i^i^ii^i^^^^ai 


There's  nothing  quite  so  easy,  friend, 
As  to  be  mistaken — don't  contend 
Too  fiercely  for  your  present  view — 
The  horizon  soon  may  change  for  you. 

'Tis  base  in  him  who  thus  requires 
Defeat  of  another's  fair  desires; 
But  he  who  triumphs  o'er  self,  indeed, 
Achieves  man's  first  and  greatest  need. 


i^ 


5]^^^i 


ipr^ 


^] 


194 


r 


SS} 


WHAT  HAST  THOU  DONE? 

Would  you  blush  with  shame  and  wish  to 

flee, 
Would  you  pray  to  the  mountain,  "Fall  on 

me," 
Would  your  record  show  some  growth  in 

good, 
Could  you  claim  you've  done  just  as  you 

should, 
If  Jesus  came  tonight  and  said, 
"The  day  is  done — it  is  time  for  bed; 
On  your  debt  of  Love — have  you  aught  to 

pay? 
What  hast  thou  done  for  Me  today?" 


^^ii#i^g[^^i^a^^^^^^^^oi 


195 


They  are  dead  who  but  for  pleasure  live, 
They  who  ask  for  much  yet  so  little  give; 
If  we  love  not  men  whom  we  now  can  see, 
Can  we  love  the  Unseen,  who  caused  us  to 

be? 
If  Christ  should  come  as  you  go  to  rest, 
Could  you  justly  ask  to  be  further  blessed? 
Couldst  reply  with  pride  when  He  should 

say: 
"What  hast  thou  done  for  Me  today? 


196 


SHARING 


On  a  winter  day  a  bird  went  out 
To  search  for  food  and  gaze  about; 
■  J  He  cocked  his  head  from  side  to  side — 

3^  His  keen,  bright  eyes  were  opened  wide; 

No  vantage  point  was  missed  by  him — 
From  house-top  out  to  leafless  limb, 
From  telegraph  wire  to  sheltered  nook, 
His  pathless  way  he  boldly  took. 

The  feed-store  dray  passed  up  the  street — 
The  snow  crunched  gay,  'neath  wheels  and 

feet; 
The  sturdy  horses,  winter  wise, 
Jack  Frost  took  seldom  by  surprise; 
For  carefully,  each  well-caulked  foot 
Was  lifted  high  and  firmly  put 
To  earth  again — without  a  goad 
They  bravely  drew  their  heavy  load. 


m 


o 


197 


o 


o 


i 


This  splendid  team  of  glossy  blacks, 
With  muscled  frames  and  dimpled  backs, 
Were  proud  to  prove  them  blooded  stock — 
Not  alone  by  name,  tail,  hoof  and  hock; 
The  careful  braiding  of  their  hair 
Bespoke  the  driver's  loving  care; 
They  worked  together  as  they  should — 
For  each  the  other  understood. 

The  driver  walked — no  whip  had  he, 

But  sang  his  orders  cheerily; 

While,  blowing  steam  from  frosty  nose 

The  team  stalked  on  like  satin  crows. 

And  goal-ward  drew  the  load  of  grain — 

Thus  work  is  done  while  drones  complain ; 

But  accidents  at  times  occur — 

Some  way,  one  hind  wheel  lost  its  burr. 

The  wheel  came  off — the  wagon  bumped 
To  axle  end ;  the  grain-sacks  dumped 
Right  over  on  the  snowy  street. 
While  one  bag  burst  and  spilled  the  wheat. 
The  trifling  wrong  was  soon  repaired. 
So  on  its  course  the  wagon  fared; 
But  in  the  gutter  lay  at  least 
Enough  to  make  a  sparrow-feast. 


o 


198 


mi 


o 


o 


It  chanced  the  feathered  scout  was  near — 
The  accident  just  made  him  cheer! 
He  swooped  right  down  with  hungry  bill 
And  picked  till  he  had  'most  his  fill; 
But  soon  recalled  his  flock  of  friends — 
He  well  makes  haste  whom  conscience 

sends — 
He  flew  to  tell  what  he  had  spied — 
How  chance  had  now  their  need  supplied. 

With  cries  of  joy  they  swooped  along 
Behind  the  guide — a  noisy  throng; 
Why,  hunger  makes  e'en  sluggards  fleet 
When  bound  for  where's  enough  to  eat; 
Be  sure,  ere  I've  had  time  to  tell, 
The  sparrows  gained  their  goal  and  fell 
To  filling  crops — none  but  were  deft — 
They  ate  till  not  a  grain  was  left. 

Of  man,  of  brute  and  bird,  the  more 
One  sees,  the  more  one  feels  at  core, 
Respect  and  love  are  better  stirred 
By  faithful  beast  and  cheerful  bird 
Than  by  gross  man — he  will  lie  in  wait 
To  causeless,  slay,  hold  grudge,  and  hate! 
Who  builds  a  fence  around  his  good 
Instead  of  sharing  as  he  should. 


199 


([^ 


(5: 


3)(iL<isyal 


A  horse  will  do  his  best  till  death 

Shall  rob  his  frame  of  power  and  breath — 

Fulfills  his  duty,  brave  and  true, 

Yet  seldom  reaps  reward  that's  due; 

If  you  e'er  win  his  confidence 

He'll  be  your  friend  till  Time  calls  hence 

Or  beast  or  master — yet  man  claims 

To  be  above  all  else  in  aims. 

Man  seldom  patterns  after  bird — 
If  Fortune  smiles,  be  sure  no  word 
Will  ever  get  to  friends  away, 
Unless — somehow  he  sees,  ^ twill  pay; 
By  wit  and  law  he  holds  his  find. 
And  tries  to  keep  his  comrades  blind; 
No  act  of  his  seems  counted  odd 
Since  man  of  gold  has  made  a  god. 

Thus  if  some  trickster  takes  him  in, 
To  repeat  on  a  friend  he  calls  no  sin; 
Since  by  this  means,  his  purse  repaired. 
Regrets  are  few,  though  the  trick  be  aired ; 
To  a  school  for  wits,  he  will  gladly  come — 
Hypocrisy  has  the  premium — 
Now  artful  deceit's  a  stock  in  trade, 
Whereby  sly  deals  are  soonest  made. 


200 


Man  takes  advantage  of  the  weak — 
The  widow  and  orphan  he  will  seek; 
Then  to  wean  them  from  their  little  hoard, 

m\  Lets  principle  go  by  the  board; 

fe|  Self-seeking  is  his  creed  through  life — 

It  leaves  not  even  for  his  wife; 
At  pleasure,  home  and  business — still 
The  blight  is  seen,  of  selfish  will. 

Though  man  be  lord  of  earth's  domain — 

God's  noblest  creature — first  in  brain — 

He  murders  his  own  happiness — 

Is  lonely — sick  of  faithlessness 

Of  friend  and  kindred — hates  the  cup 

Of  bitterness  he  is  forced  to  sup 

At  the  hands  of  Father  Time;  but  drink 

He  must — yet  how  he  longs  to  shrink! 

Man  wants  his  friends  to  share  his  woe, 
But  reverses  when  the  blessings  flow; 
The  birds  do  just  the  opposite, 
As  to  and  fro  they  gaily  flit; 
They  share  their  benefactions  free — 
Maintain  their  twittering  minstrelsy; 
For  garnering,  they  have  no  expense — 
Like  lilies,  trust  God's  providence. 


E8 

m 


201 


Of  traitors  he  is  worst  of  all 
Who  over  friendship  lays  a  pall — 
Or  prostitutes  the  holiest  tie 
To  laying  filthy  lucre  by; 
The  hardened  world  we  cannot  change, 
But  from  his  good,  let's  not  estrange 
A  fellow  traveller,  blessed  with  more 
Of  faith  in  man  than  trickster's  lore. 

Let  us  be  more  like  beast  and  bird — 
There  is  no  sound,  save  it  be  heard; 
There  is  no  spectacle — save  there  be 
A  mind  to  mark — a  soul  to  see; 
There  is  no  love,  save  what  is  shown 
To  that  outside  one's  selfish  own; 
There  is  no  joy — except  we  share — 
Sow  right,  and  reap  it  everywhere. 

Be  generous  and  sincere  yourself — 
Esteem  a  friend  much  more  than  pelf; 
Enlarge  your  range  of  common  ground — 
For  thus  a  realm  of  joy  is  found ; 
Don't  try  to  put  your  comrade  down — 
Such  victories  gain  a  tinsel  crown; 
Get  together — that  band  of  friends  and 

you— 
'Twill  lend  to  life  a  rosy  hue! 


202 


DARK  HOURS 

Each  soul  through  unknown  mazes  goes — 
Must  take  his  stripes  and  share  of  woes; 
Deep  wisdom  moves  God's  plans  along — 
Our  problems  met  but  make  us  strong. 

Stand  fast — unmoved  whate'er  the  view — 
Jehovah-God  will  see  you  through; 
He  changeth  not — so  rest  secure — 
His  Word  the  seeker  will  assure. 

Dark  hours  must  come — who  can  escape? 
Yet  tears  the  future  oft  mis-shape; 
For  every  woe  there  stands  a  pledge — 
God's  grace  is  all  our  present  hedge. 

Dark  hours  will  come  when  none  can  see, 
Yet  God  knows  our  extremity; 
The  souls  that  gain  the  mountain's  crest. 
Look  back  and  see,  God's  way  is  best! 


203 


CONTEMPLATION 

Truth,  precious  and  eternal  treasure, 

O  let  me  see ; 
Life,  love  and  all  enduring  pleasure 

Spring  forth  from  Thee. 

Let  me  unfold  through  apprehension 

Of  boundless  Good; 
Let  nothing  else  hold  my  attention, 

Since  naught  else  should. 

No  failure  comes  to  him  in  concord 

With  his  true  Source; 
This  comfort  now  I  firmly  hold.  Lord, 

And  love  Thy  course. 

My  God,  my  All — my  loving  Father — 

Thy  Truth  makes  free! 
O  let  that  mind  which  dwells  in  Jesus 

Abound  in  me. 


204 


II 


SPRING 

Velvet  hills  on  every  hand — 
Nature  broods  o'er  vale  and  rand; 
Water  lilies  grace  each  pond — 
Poppies  deck  the  fields  beyond. 

Mountain-peak,  with  hoary  head, 
Purple  robes  o'er  him  are  spread — 
Towers  in  grandeur — awe  instills — 
Father  of  the  lesser  hills. 

Leave  your  carking  cares  behind, 
Poor  are  those  to  Nature  blind; 
Winter  gone — all's  new  in  Spring — 
With  the  birds  exultant  sing. 


205 


O^IW^l^^^^O!^^ 


Ibi 


11 


VOLUMES  V  &  VI 
CONTENTS 


o 


California       -------  141 

Consecration           -         -         -         -         -         -  146 

His  First  Pants       - 149 

The  Prodigal  Pup 150 

Billy  Boy        -         -         -         -         -         -         -  153 

Started  Right          -         -         -         -         -         -  155 

Our  Thanksgivin'  Duck           -         -         -         -  157 

Cradle  Song            -         -         -         -         -         -  159 

Ugly  Ellen      -         -         -         -         -         -         -  160 

Christmas  Time      -         -         -         -         -         -  164 

Dear  Little  Hand 167 

A  Rose            -------  168 

A  Reckoning           -         -         -         -         -         -  169 

Prayer   -         -         -         -         -         -         -         -171 

The  Faithful  Playmate            -         -         -         -  172 

Smiles    -         -         -         -         -         -         -         -  180 

Decorations    -         -         -         -         -         -         -182 

Faith      --------  184 

Solace  -         -         -         -         -         -         -185 

Be  a  Man       -------  187 

The  Talisman          -         -         -         -         -         -  189 

Self  Will          -         -         -         -         -         -         -  193 

What  Hast  Thou  Done?          -         -         -         -  195 

Sharing           -         -         -         -         -         -         -  197 

Dark  Hours   - 203 

Contemplation        ------  204 

Spring    --------  205 


207 


mum 


TU    KbOD 


302310 


UNIVERSITY  OF  CALIFORNIA  LIBRARY 


on.      ees  It  and  so  desires,  they  are  fre 
to    put   a   coin    in    it,   so   as   to   assist   in 
deft    ying    the    actual     costs,     as     pro- 
giiiins,  refreshments,  etc. 

Well,  it  looks  as  though  I  had  suc- 
ceeded in  filling  up  my  space.  Hope 
you  dear  readers  have  enjoyed  it. 
Had  better  quit  now  so  as  to  have  room 
for  another  installment  of  "Artistic 
Vocalism."  Think  some  of  my  sub- 
scribers read  it  and  like  it.  If  it  seems 
not  to  be  much  read,  may  discontinue, 
as  I  usually  make  one  or  two  poenis 
every  month  and  could  fill  up  the  spaop 
with  other  matter  without  any  diffi- 
culty. 

Am  so  grateful  to  God,  so  happy  to 
think  that  I  do  not  have  to  take  to 
travelling  again.  Am  glad  to  be  ^Jiis 
much  nearer  being  free  to  do  what  I 
prefer.  Am  interested  in  nearly  all  of 
my  pupils — most  interested  in  those 
who  are  making  the  best  efforts  to  get 
somewhere  and  co-operate  with  me. 
Some  are  making  excellent  progress. 
Hope  all  who  can  will  attend  my  Pu- 
pils' Recital  so  they  can  see  or  hear 
for  themselves  what  I  can  do  as  a 
teacher.  Given  equal  material  and 
with  equal  advantages,  I  am  conndent 
I  can,  by  God's  help,  do  as  much  good 
for  my  students,  as  they  could  obtain 
anywhere. 

With  lots  of  love  to  my  dear,  faith- 
ful, loving  praying  friends,  and  thank- 
ing contributors  to  the  Fund  and  to 
my  welfare;  thanking  my  students  for 
their  faith  and  broadness  of  mind  in 
lavincc  aside  the  personal,  in  not  being 
«f:M.,l  away  by  my  physical  handicap-; 
for  their  laying  a.«5ide  pride  and  the 
lure  of  the  swell  studios  up-town.  the 
boast  of  being  able  to  say  they  have 
studied  with  so-and-so;  those  who 
have  preferred  me;  who  have  seen  vir- 
tue in  my  work  and  power  in  my  mind 
anl  individuality  and  have  been  con- 
tent to  make  some  kind  of  an  effort  to 
do  their  part  and  trust  to  my  guldanc- 
and  rons;ri«.ntlousnes8  and  fltn»s8,  i 
remair 

Faithfully. 
A  man  who  is,  to  the  best  of  his  light 
and  ability,  on  the  Job,  doing  Hl.s 
Father's  business;  giving  musical,  vo- 
cal truths  which  he  has  demonstrated; 
concepts  of  beauty  and  wisdom  which 
he  is  able  to  convey  and  project  and 
transmit, 

ARTHUR  F.  FUI^LER. 
Reception   by   appointment   only. 
Phone   54168.      1138   Valencia   St. 
•        •        •        • 

ARTISTIC    VOCALISM 

(Continued  from   Feb.   Courier) 
of  mathematics   or  truism   of  geometry 
which    any    man    could   create?     Can    a 
man    Invent    a    natural    law?      Is    thero 
anything    personal     in     an     evprlasti' 
principle?     Will    you    kindly    state    oi, 
rule  A>t   tone-reinforcement   that   is   not 
eteroal?       Is    there    one      truth      about 
souni    that    any    teacher    ever    creat';d? 
Has   someone    a    monopoly     on    all     the 
measuriner-rods    of    voice?      Does    tone 
recogni/t    nationality  or  geography?' 
The    student    or    prospective    student. 


choosing  a  teacher,  because  it  is  not 
•written  to  sell."  It  is  not  a  product 
of  the  spirit  of  commercallsm.  Its  i'«- 
sue  Is  not  a  necessity.  Whether  or 
not  It  has  an  extensive  sale  is  of  trif- 
ling Importance.  Its  principles  will 
not  be  warptd  or  violated  to  accommo- 
date other  or  previous  publications  by 
various  authors.  The  kind  reader  ma> 
therefore  trust  Its  teachings  and  ac- 
cept them  at  their  face  value.  In  tht 
majority  of  cases,  the  witness  of  th( 
reader's  own  mind,  will  be  sufflcieni 
testimony  to  convince  him  of  the  cor 
rectness  of  the  principles  hereli 
taught. 

Having  carefully  read  "Artistic  Vo 
calism,"  which  will  not  take  manj 
hours,  the  student  will  then  be  read: 
to  make  an  appointment  with  a  teache: 
for  consultation.  Remembering  tha 
the  teacher  has  to  depend  upon  hli 
time  disposal  for  his  Income,  be  pre 
pared  to  pay  at  lesson-fee  rates  i<j 
this  session.  Hearing  the  teacher 
ideas  and  obtaining  a  try-out  is  llUiml 
natlng  to  both  teacher  and  studei.i 
The  latter  can  know  by  the  trla».  wha 
'Ine  of  I  leas  the  teacher  .*<ubs(rlbt-s  t< 
Where  the  teacher  Is  well  establlshe 
and  when  his  or  her  pupils  uniform! 
show  improvement  in  a  reasonabi 
length  of  time — say  a  year,  as  a  mini 
mum — then  the  student  may  feel  saf 
m  entrusting  his  vocal  welfare  wit 
such  an   Instructor. 

On  the  cards  of  some  tf  achers  appear 
the  somewhat  Inelegant  word.  •  Cnadi. 
This  of  course  does  not  indicate  tha 
the  partv  has  a  four  wheeled  vehlcl 
to  rfnt,  but  is  intended  to  convey  tli 
Idea  that  this  persfm  offers  to  act  li 
speelal  tutor  preparing  the  ambltloi 
young  artist  for  examination  or  pai 
ticular   public    performance. 

We  do  not  approve  of  studio  slam 
but  employing  this  word  in  Its  usua 
application,  we  would  comment  thr 
there  are  legitimate  coaches  and  taV 
roaihes — plain  counterfeits.  In  L.< 
.\ii:.;eles,  a  certain  man  opened  a  fine! 
;ipi...iMted  studio  In  one  of  the  flnei 
studio  buildings  and  advertised  hln 
self  as  a   "coach." 

This  man  had  never  had  ft  vocal  U 
son  In  his  life,  had  studied  but  llttl 
could  not  play  any  Instrument  ai 
could  not  read  music.  He  simp 
rented  an  automatic  piano  and  ol 
talned  rolls  of  the  songs  he  essayed 
teach,  laboriously  fitting  the  words 
the  tune,  writing  them  on  the  re 
from  a  pilnted  copy.  He  would  ha^ 
this  played  on  his  electric  plan .»,  unl 
the  student  learned  it  by  heart.  Wh< 
a  dozen  or  so  .«ongs  were  thus  ma 
tered,  he  turned  loose  upon  the  worl 
a  deluded  mortal  who  thought  he  kne 
something  and  was  "some  'punklns' 
as  a  singer.  The  student  should  b 
ware   of   such    imposters. 

'     ^'        '  '     f  coach  is  one  whe 

ay  with  one  fing 
i>ly,  but  who  har 
niets  <iui  trie  meiody  for  his  pupil  ui 
til  the  passage  is  learned  by  ear;  th< 
the  teacher  makes  some  .suggestloi 
of  more  or  less  value  In  regard  to  I] 
terpretatlon.  When  a  dozen,  more  ' 
less,  songs  have  been  learned  In  th 
way.  the  teacher  turns  out  an  artls 
pupil.  This  system  1.*;  a  little  bette 
hut  very  little.  Yet  such  is  a  commc 
nractire.    hut    ran     barrllv    hp    cnllpd    tl 


